Love, Hope, Fear, Faith - Humanity

 “Love, hope, fear, faith - these make humanity. These are its sign and note and character.” – Robert Browning

 

Some writers say love is a major influence on how and what they write, but in Browning’s case it was THE influence in his writing career.  Languishing as a middle-of-the-road poet, at best, he fell in love with Elizabeth Barrett, one of England’s most prominent female writers in the 1840s.  It was a love story that not only fired his writing, but also led her to write some of her most poignant and meaningful poems, including her famous love sonnets, highlighted by the well-known "How do I love the?"  For Saturday’s Poem here is, 

 

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 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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