How Do I Love Thee

How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth
and breadth and height
My soul can reach,



When feeling out of sight
For the ends
of Being and ideal Grace.



I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need,
by sun and candlelight.
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.

Author, ©"Elizabeth Barrett Browning"

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