Here by the Sea
Here by the prodigal and ever-pouring sea
The watcher has enough to watch, the sea being wide
Enough for the eye and wide and deep enough for the mind.
Between this coast and Spain is room for any ship
To be alone and long, whether in view or after,
And how far longer after. Surf for the shore-bound bather
Still renews, renews, and far as he would swim
The swimmer swims and back again. Here by the sea
The watcher walks or stands or lies bathed in clear space
While the white seabird forever skims the white-curled wave.
~ Robert Francis