Along the concrete esplanade
Protected by a balustrade
      From the inclement sea,
      People walk in pairs
      Under their parasols;
And groups of three or four or five 
With buckets, spades and coloured balls
        Approach the sandy spot,
      Undress and sun themselves,
      Or search about for shells, 
Until the town-clock chimes for tea; 
Then up they rise and turn their backs
      On the mysterious sea. 
In railway-stations everywhere 
Gaudy hordings advertise
      Where bathing beauties may
  Display their feminine charms
      Attended by young handsomes.
Behind, the strings of coloured lights,
Bandstands, refreshment booths and palms
      Imply a gracious life,
      Where one may sit and dine;
      While far away the sea 
Stretches a long line into 
A part-loved, part-feared, part-desired
      Unknown infinity.