The Esplanade

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.