Emily Dickinson - I started Early -- Took my Dog

I started Early - - Took my Dog - -
And visited the Sea - -
The Mermaids in the Basement
Came out to look at me - -

And Frigates - - in the Upper Floor
Extended Hempen Hands - -
Presuming Me to be a Mouse - -
Aground - - upon the Sands - -

But no Man moved Me - - till the Tide
Went past my simple Shoe - -
And past my Apron - - and my Belt - -
And past my Bodice - - too - -

And made as He would eat me up - -
As wholly as a Dew - -
Upon a Dandelion's Sleeve - -
And then - - I started - - too - -

And He - - He followed - - close behind - -
I felt his Silver Heel
Upon my Ankle - - Then my Shoes - -
Would overlow with Pearl - -

Until We met the Solid Town - -
No One He seemed to know - -
And bowing - - with a Mighty look - -
At me - - The Sea withdrew - -