Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 43, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
Last Line: I shall but love thee better after death.
Variant Title(s): Sonnets From The Portguese: 42;the Ways Of Love;perfect Love
Subject(s): Love - Erotic; Life Change Events; Love; Love - Marital; Religion; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Theology


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 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.






Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net