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 —

by Emily Dickinson

Another poem from Emily for her birthday.

The only thing that occurs to me when I read this poem is “What happened to the dog?”

Reely

Tags: birthday, emily dickinson