HOW DO I LOVE THEE

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.

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning~