the passion of this poem

I've been lost with this poem several times already. I feel the passion, the purity, the authentic love, the honesty, and the commitment that goes with writing this poem. Love, in this poem, is sacred and holy, and something that reaches for eternity, something full of hope, and faith.

How do I love thee? Let me count the
ways...

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 everyday'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 lose saints, ---I love thee with the breadth,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

***

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)