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 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.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love you? Let me tell you of the ways

And of the lengths I go to hide from you

My struggle to respond to your demands

And resist your tug upon my heart.

I love you on the outer surface of the shell

My soul creates to shield it from your sight

I love you with my left hand, not my right

I love you in the limelight seeking praise

I love you with my motives full of self

Seeking peace from inconvenient qualms.

I love you with a love I know is shallow

And it shames me when I think upon the cross

That agonising sacrifice - and how God chose