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 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.
The pictures were taken by Robyn Debenedet, a bright, fun, engaging German student, and great artist. The candles pictured are from a church in Frankfurt -- they represent the prayers sent up for loved ones, and are the expression of every day's most quiet need for someone out there.
The peace of the LORD be with you today...
3 comments:
Here is another beautiful poem, which I've read by Anne Bradstreet, the very first published American poet.
To my Dear and Loving Husband
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
Anne Bradstreet
Nice to discover your blog...and your lovely comments....please tell Brad that I join the countless others who are holding his family in our prayers...and my immense sadness....
Of course, if you had gone to Baylor you would know all about that Browning poem!!!
Thanks rp ... I'll be sure to pass on your thoughts and prayers.
Much love to you and yours :).
And look for me on the 20th :).
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