Sonnet

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

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 candlelight.
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 Barett Browning


Why Do I Love You? Let Me Count the Reasons…

Why do I love you? Let me count the reasons…
That were responsible for bringing us closer
And within the space of but a few seasons
Linked our lives inexorably together.
I liked you for the wit that arouses my laughter
And more, for the mind that illuminates my own;
For the intellect that is as sharp as a razor,
For the words that take me into a world all our own.

I love you for the gentleness you show towards everyone;
I love you for the honesty that stands as firm as my own:
From the depths of hell I saw your faith shining like a beacon,
For you had faith in me even when I had none of my own.
I love you for the joy, the hope I have since being with you, known;
I love you for loving me so… Is that not enough reason?

- Unmana