I sat this morning thinking about some of the greatest love stories of all time. Yes, I know I am such a romantic. Some of the greatest literature was written to express love as an exploration of the deepest emotion. This poem reflects the kind of love I want to have and also have reciprocated. Sonnet XLIII 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.

looking for love