How Do I Love Thee?

Number 43 from Sonnets From the Portuguese

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 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.

I love this poem. I fell in love with the work of Elizabeth Barrett Browning during a high school literature class. I chose her for the topic of my author presentation in 10th grade or maybe she chose me. The passion and strength she shows in her sonnets speaks to me. Whenever Valentine's Day rolls around I always think of Sonnets From the Portuguese. So, I thought it fitting to share one of my favorites.

Once again I'm spending Valentine's Day without my husband. We have actually never been together on Valentine's Day since we met 4 years ago. We have the Navy to thank for that. ;)

It's quite alright though, because I have a handsome, young date for the occasion. This little charmer right here.  I may even let him stay up past 8pm and have grapes after dinner.

 Happy Valentine's Day!!