The people along the sand br All turn and look one way. br They turn their back on the land. br They look at the sea all day. br br As long as it takes to pass br A ship keeps raising its hull; br The wetter ground like glass br Reflects a standing gull br br The land may vary more; br But wherever the truth may be- br The water comes ashore, br And the people look at the sea. br br They cannot look out far. br They cannot look in deep.