A poem about the sea in four-line stanzas, like a song. It starts as a simple walk with a dog, but the sea seems to become menacing and the walker has to flee before getting caught. After reading Kate Atkinson’s novel, which refers to this poem in its title and throughout the book, I had to read it. I was not at all familiar with Emily Dickinson’s writing and read also the poem guide, which opened a new world to me. I will surely read more Dickinson.
“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 – opon 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 Boddice – 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 –”