sonnet XLIII

How do i love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth
and breadth & height
my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
for the ends of Being & ideal Grace
I love thee to the level of
everyday's most quiet need, by sun & 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 breadth,
Smiles, tears all my life!
and if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death


Elizabeth Barret Browning
1806 - 1861



after what i have gone through, wonder who should i recite this beautiful poem to?