Featured Poem: I started early – Took my Dog – Emily Dickinson

This week’s featured poem I started early – Took my Dog – describes an enchanting and evocative encounter with the Sea by reclusive poet, Emily Dickinson.

Keeping in theme with the launch of The Storybarn's Treasure Island adventure at Liverpool One this week, this whimsical and mysterious ode, explores the calm power and draw of the water:

I started early – Took my Dog –

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 –

Emily Dickinson