Saturday, July 19, 2008

For The Romantics

Sonnets from the Portuguese, #43
by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning (1850)

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 every day'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 with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

14 comments:

The Exception said...

I have a romantic side *sigh* ah to love someone so or to be so love...

But then there is a side of me that wonders if it is a healthy love?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! She was one amazing poet indeed!

Enigma said...

Ah,TE...forget whether it is healthy or unhealthy, i know where you are coming from, but to love deeply, with no reservation, is a sign of Grace.

Sumedh, she was.

Effortlessly Average said...

For me, as I'm feeling lately, a more appropriate question is "how MANY TIMES can I love thee?" heh.

Enigma said...

Well, well EA,rent we the stud? LOL

Enigma said...

That was suposed to be"arent we the stud" but rent sounds better.

Mel said...

:-)

Enigma said...

Mel, Double hugs to you:)

Mel said...

k........then triple hugs to you.

((((((( enigma ))))))

Tiffanie said...

I thought you were gone. ?? Glad I found you again.

Enigma said...

Hi Tiffany, just making guest apearances LOL

ozymandiaz said...

ummm
after who's death
just askin cuz there are certain folks I think i would love much more after their passing

savannah said...

been ages, but that was perfect for today, sugar! thank you
xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Hello, I miss you, how many tails do you have now? Hmm I miss you,