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 –