ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

A poem which is a delight in itself but is given added resonance if time is spent reading of the close relationship between poet and poet husband and of how they overcame parental objection to their love by eloping!   How brave they must have been to have done so, especially in the 19th Century.  

This was a relationship tested to it limits and found to be genuine, profound and resilient. Happily, their love grew even stronger and both found contentment in the company of the other.  They were indeed true soul-mates.

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. 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning