Как долго? Денёк, часок...
Корабль глаз различит,
и чайку мокрый песок,
как зеркало, отразит.

Земля куда веселей,
но правду все говорят:
волна приходит к земле,
а люди в море глядят.

Не могут видеть итог,
не могут глубже копнуть.
И где лежит тот порог,
куда не смеют взглянуть?

Neither Out Far Nor In Deep

The people along the sand
All turn and look one way.
They turn their back on the land.
They look at the sea all day.

As long as it takes to pass
A ship keeps raising its hull;
The wetter ground like glass
Reflects a standing gull

The land may vary more;
But wherever the truth may be--
The water comes ashore,
And the people look at the sea.

They cannot look out far.
They cannot look in deep.
But when was that ever a bar
To any watch they keep?