Tuesday, September 12, 2006

HOW MANY WAYS...

I read this poem for the first time about six years ago and I always lose it and find it periodically. This time I don't intend to lose it because I hope that some day I can relate to it not just for a period of time but forever and also relate without regret.

How Do I Love Thee?
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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.

2 comments:

zaiprincesa said...

i lurrrve this poem...first read it in high skool and has been a fav. of mine ever since...welcome back!

my coffee is always said...

i love this piece.. one of my favorites. stop by my spot sometimes...