This poem by Rafael Alberti expresses a deep longing for the sea, which symbolizes a place of comfort and origin. The repetition of 'El mar. La mar.' emphasizes the poet's fixation on the sea as an idealized space. The speaker questions their father about being brought to the city, away from the sea, suggesting a sense of displacement and loss. The imagery of the tide pulling at the heart in dreams signifies an emotional connection to the sea that remains strong despite physical distance. The poem captures themes of nostalgia, identity, and the tension between natural and urban environments.