How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and heightMy soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Super poem. Have you read the play, by Rudolf Besier, called The Barretts of Whimpole Street>
ReplyDeleteIt is about the love affair of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning and her father beting against the union. The play went to Broadway in 1931 and was made into a film in 1934 and 1957. Makes for an interesting history.