Here's a summary:
* The merman lives in the sea, but he is drawn to a woman he has seen on land. He describes her beauty and how her presence makes him feel "strange."
* He has come to the surface of the water many times, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. He searches for her in the "bright town" and asks the fishermen if they know her.
* The merman's desire for the woman is intense and consuming. He dreams of her and wants to be with her, but he is trapped in the sea.
* He learns that the woman has died. This realization brings him deep sadness and despair.
* The merman is left alone and "forsaken" by his love. He is still bound to the sea, unable to join her in the afterlife.
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the limitations of human connection. It highlights the conflict between the merman's yearning for the woman and his inability to bridge the gap between their worlds. The poem's melancholy tone and poignant imagery leave a lasting impression on the reader.