On the Quarterdeck

Larry,
This poem fascinated me. I read it a few times and enjoyed it more each time.
I starts, to me, wistfully and beautifully; it carries the reader along in what they presume will be a joyous or content piece. "cruises......ocean whisper" - all very lulling sorts of words that make you calm/happy to read. The idea of the ocean whispering hints of summer love.......alas, not for the man in the armchair, it seems.
I'd say it's in line 5 the poem suddenly takes a more melancholy turn as you write about the passengers coming and then going. And then "leaving me in grief for that one.......that slipped through my fingers."
Confirmation that this man, seemingly sitting so happily in his chair at the start of the piece has, in fact, lost the love of his life. And what a powerful last line.
Wonderful write, Larry and all the best,
Ben