Whereas you can read I Started Early – Took my Dog in a literal way, as described above, the poem also invites to further interpretation. She is left with… what? Relief? Excitement? A sense of emptiness? Surrender vs Safety

When they reach shallow waters, Solid Town, the ocean bids farewell with a bow and withdraws. Finally, she flees, literally fighting the sea’s grip on her. We sense her inner fight and the threatening force that surrounds her in deeper waters. However, the temptation turns into arousement, only to transform to fear of giving in, to surrender. In the poem she introduces it to us on a nice morning, while walking the dog, with mermaids and ships reaching out to her. But how do you imagine the rolling waves and the sound they make if you live in Amherst, Massachusetts? Let’s read the poem! I started Early – Took my Dog –ĭickinson’s mind seems to envision the ocean as a mystic, magical place. Unlike Emily Dickinson (1830-1886).ĭickinson would never see the sea, yet wrote such a poignant poem as I Started Early - Took my Dog, in which the ocean plays an important role.

I drove to Port de Pollença and strolled along the Pine Walk and thought about how grateful I feel about being able to contemplate the sea -and smell it, touch it- whenever I wish to do so.

The other day I felt a sudden urge to feel the sea breeze on my face and through my hair.

Started early took my dog book review