How do I love thee?

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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 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.

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How can I not recognize? How can I not know? How can I resist?

I tried to forget, I tried to leave it buried, I tried to ignore the feeling..

I feel afraid, I feel happy, I feel unworthy…

How do I love thee? With God’s love definitely..

Will it hurt? Will I be put to shame? Will I be laughed at?

I wish him well, I wish for his joy, I wish for his peace..

Will I take the risk? will I remain in the dark?