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 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.
