656-B: The Sea's Version

As I was heaping Waves in Racks
— It was a windy Day —
I spied a Form along the Shore
Who saw my Air away —

I forgot about my Briny Home
— Though That was all I knew —
My Mermaids in the Basement —
My Seabirds in the Blue—

I raised myself above myself —
Tall — in a foaming Curl —
And felt the bolt of probing Eyes
Thrown by the Slant of Girl —

Thin she was — as Hempen Rope —
Lean as a Sea Eel be —
Billows none — kelpy hair —
Yet she fathomed the Deeps of me! —

I knew not what — could not stop —
I sped across the Sands —
Gulfed her shoes — bathed her legs —
Saltily kissed her hands —

Whelmed her Apron — Bodice — too —
All in a Silver Whirl —
And weeping o’er her Brilliant Wrists —
Overflowed with Pearl —

Yet when We met the Solid Town
I lost my Emily! —
And grieving on those ignorant streets —
Withdrew — into the Sea —


Thx E.D.