"I started Early - Took my Dog -" (656)

I started Early - Took my Dog -

And visited the Sea -

The Mermaids in the BasementBasement i.e., the bottom of the ocean

Came out to look at me -

And FrigatesFrigates fast 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

Extended Hempen HandsHempen Hands strong, thick ropes made of hemp, used on ships -

Presuming Me to be a Mouse -

Aground - oponopon 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 BoddiceBoddice bodice; 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 -