SUNDAY POETRY: "I STARTED EARLY – TOOK MY DOG –"

I STARTED EARLY – TOOK MY DOG –

by Emily Dickinson

I started Early – Took my Dog –

And visited the Sea –

The Mermaids in the Basement

Basement i.e., the bottom of the ocean

Basement i.e., the bottom of the ocean

Came out to look at me –

And Frigates

Frigates 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 Frigates 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

Extended Hempen Hands

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

– Hempen Hands strong, thick ropes made of hemp, used on ships

Presuming Me to be a Mouse –

Aground – opon

opon upon

the Sands – opon upon

But no Man moved Me – till the Tide

Went past my simple Shoe –

And past my Apron – and my Belt

And past my Boddice

Boddice 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 – Boddice 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

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 –

(Photo by Kike Medina)