While the poem doesn't explicitly state the poet's feelings for Alice, it conveys a sense of deep affection and longing.
Here's how the poem suggests these emotions:
* The use of imagery: The imagery used throughout the poem is deeply personal and sentimental, highlighting the beauty of Alice and the joy she brings to the speaker's life. The "sunny sky" and the "boat" symbolize a shared journey and a happy future together.
* The speaker's yearning: The speaker longs to be with Alice, expressing a desire to be "near" her and to "love her" always. The repetition of the phrase "my love" emphasizes the speaker's devotion.
* The speaker's commitment: The speaker pledges to be faithful to Alice, promising to "love her" "till the end" and "forever." This suggests a deep commitment and a lifelong love.
Although the poem doesn't explicitly mention romantic love, the tone and imagery strongly imply that the speaker has profound feelings for Alice.
It's important to note that the poem could be interpreted in different ways. However, the dominant interpretation points towards a deep affection and longing, suggestive of a romantic relationship.