Poet's Corner

"Sonnet 43"

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Poem explanation

1	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.

5	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

10	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.

Source: Exploring Poetry, Gale, 1997.