How Do I Love Thee
By: Elizabeth Berrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count
the ways.
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 candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive
for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn
from Praise.
I love thee with a 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.
after death.
This has forever been one of my favorite poems. It has such different meanings to me. I have always known I want to have this read aloud at my wedding, at my loved ones funerals, and also something I would read aloud to God when my time comes to go back home. I think it is so beautifully written. Hope you enjoy!!
