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—