TRUE EXPRESSIONS PHOTO : KLAUS GENSHEIMER
HOW DO I LOVE THEE ? { SONNET 43 }
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 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 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 Barrett Browning 1806-1861
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 79