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.