Emily Dickinson (1830-86)

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 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