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 started—too—

And He—He followed-close

behind

I felt His Silver Heel

Upon my Ankle—Then my Shoes

Would overflow Pearl—

Until we met the Solid Town—

No One He seemed to Know-

Abs bowing—with a Mighty look— At me—The Sea withdrew—