spiralsheep: Martha laughing (Martha Laughing)
Humph ([personal profile] spiralsheep) wrote in [community profile] poetree 2012-09-28 06:03 pm (UTC)

That depends which sort of love....

I love your choice. Millay wrote a surprising number of worthwhile love-related sonnets and I always find when I read them that I appreciate how she managed to vary her themes.

My choice is a cliche but it's a cliche because so many people love it.

Sonnets from the Portuguese 43: 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 everyday'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 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 (1806-61)

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