how do i love thee?

i love thee to the depth my soul can reach,

the breadth my eyes can see,

and height my wings could fly. . .

when you are out of my sight.

i love thee to the point of every day's most hushed need,

in the brilliance of my day. . .

and the mysterious hour of my night. . .by candle-light.

i love thee freely,

but struggle not from the chains

that shackle the surmounting intensity of my ardent desires

now. . .

when the morrow breaks, this flightless spirit surely soars.

i love thee with passion laid to rest:

my old sorrow. . .anguish, pain.

and with my childhood's faith renewed. . .

i love thee with the breath,

smiles, tears, of my life!

i love thee now, and tomorrow i love thee more.