How Do I Love Thee

How Do I Love Thee?

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 candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Rights;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use ~

In my old griefs, and with childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints.
I love thee with the breadth, smiles, tears of all my life!

And if God choose,
I shall love thee better after death.