The narrator experiences a poignant moment while observing a couple making love in the ocean, a scene that evokes deep reflections on his own life. This sight brings forth feelings of regret, as he realizes it highlights the unfulfilled moments and lost opportunities in his past. He recognizes the hours spent in frustration and the realization that time has irrevocably taken away some of his possibilities for joy.

Amidst his envy for the couple's happiness, he grapples with a sense of self-pity. The vividness of their connection starkly contrasts with his own existence, revealing how mundane his life feels by comparison. He wishes he could reclaim the vibrant experiences that have slipped away, feeling that Yeoman's blissful moment serves as a constant reminder of what he has missed.