To any watch they keep?

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人们走上沙滩
转身朝着一个方向。
他们背对着陆地
整日凝望海洋。

当一只船从远处过来
船身便不断升高；
潮湿的沙滩像明镜
映出一只静立的鸟。

也许陆地变化更多；
但无论真相在哪边——
海水涌上岸来，
人们凝望着海洋。

他们望不太深。
他们望不太远。
但有什么能够遮挡
他们凝望的目光？

徐淳刚 译


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?

henhen

他们望不太深。
他们望不太远。
但有什么能够遮挡
他们凝望的目光？