HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

I was browsing through my old collection of poems and sonnets and I found this piece from Elizabeth Browning. It’s very nostalgic since I have not heard nor read this sonnet for a long time. I first met Browning’s sonnet when I was in high-school when my English teacher allowed us to interpret the sonnet through a role play. From that point until today, I can’t count the ways how much I love thee…

Allow me to paste the entirety of the sonnet and am hoping you’ll be able to see the magic of it :-) 

HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

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 candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a 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.