Sometimes when the shallow water is clear and green

A long and steadily moving shape is seen,

And the whole bright bay suddenly grows dark,

And swimmers rush for the shore at the cry of ‘Shark!’

Porpoises bounce cheerfully up and down

But sharks go grimly straight, as if a frown

Was above the horrible grin I cannot see,

And those little eyes were glaring straight at me.

Lazily the dark shape turns, to disappear

Above the weed, and the sea is full of fear.

No thank you, just now I haven’t any wish

To swim, or even to launch the boat to fish.