A wide expanse of yellow sand,
A breeze so fresh and free,
Which, gently rippling, scarcely wakes
The calm and tranquil sea.
Beneath the clear and shining wave
Bright shells and sea-weeds lie,
Reflecting all the golden light
Of the sweet summer sky.
And many a crystal pool is there,
Where hermits lurk below,
And restless shrimps in coat of mail
Flash swiftly to and fro.
A noon-day hush is over all,
Unbroken by a sound;
Till … sudden peals of baby mirth
Wake all the echoes round.
‘Tis here the children love to come,
On the bright sand to lie,
Or in the gleaming water hold
Their mimic revelry.
Oh, happy hearts! those gladsome day
Upon the golden shore
Will linger on in memory still,
A joy for evermore.