Emily Dickinson

I started Early – Took my Dog – (656)

I started Early – Took my Dog – And visited the Sea – The Mermaids in theBasementBasementi. e. , the bottom of the ocean Came out to look at me – AndFrigatesFrigatesfast and highly maneuverable warships of the 18th and 19th centuries, used to escort other larger ships, or to patrol the coast and blockade harbors– in the Upper Floor ExtendedHempen HandsHempen Handsstrong, thick ropes made of hemp, used on ships– Presuming Me to be a Mouse – Aground –oponoponuponthe Sands – But no Man moved Me – till the Tide Went past my simple Shoe – And past my Apron – and my Belt And past myBoddiceBoddicebodice; an upper part of a woman’s dress, or a rigid, laced corset worn underneath clothing, covering the upper part of a woman’s body– too – And made as He would eat me up – As wholly as a Dew Opon a Dandelion's Sleeve – And then – I started – too – And He – He followed – close behind – I felt His Silver Heel Opon my Ancle – Then My Shoes Would overflow 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 –