How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth, 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 candlelight
I love the 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 in 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.