Along the shore I spy a ship As she sets out to sea; She spreads her sails and sniffs the breeze And slips away from me. I watch her fading image shrink, As she moves on and on, Until at last she's but a speck, Then someone says, 'She's gone.' Gone where? Gone only from our sight And from our farewell cries; That ship will somewhere reappear To other eager eyes. Beyond the dim horizon's rim Resound the welcome drums, And while we're crying, 'There she goes!' They're shouting, 'Here she comes!' We're built to cruise for but a while Upon this trackless sea Until one day we sail away Into infinity.