How Do I Love Thee

How do I love thee? Let me matter 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 best grace.

I love thee to the stage of each and every day’s

Most quiet need, by means of solar and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as guys attempt for right.

I love thee purely, as they flip from praise.

I love thee with the ardour put to use

In my historical griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I regarded to lose

With my misplaced saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall however love thee higher after death.