Touching Love

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 end of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quite 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 my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seem 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