How Do I Love Thee? Sonnet 43 #elizabethbarrettbrowning

Posted on Jul 18, 2018 by TanGental

I’ve been buggering around with some of the nation’s favourite poems recently and this one has been on my list. But, well the thing is it’s also one of my all time favourite sonnets – and I do love a sonnet. Rather than a link for those who don’t know it, here it is in full

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 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.

And here’s my take

 

How do I love you? Let me count the ways.

I love you when the mundane morning chorus

Of the prattling radio awakes us

And you mine the duvet likes it’s the End of Days.

I love you when you leave me at the station

To walk home in the rain, dripping clothes and oaths.

I love you for understanding what no one else knows

In my silences and wordless impatience.

I love you for laughing at oft-told stories

Never querying my many variations.

I love you for ignoring my aberrations

And allowing me my unworthy glories.

And if grief comes to me, dripping slow

I will love you more than you will ever know.

 

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
This entry was posted in poems, poetry, sonnets and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

32 Responses to How Do I Love Thee? Sonnet 43 #elizabethbarrettbrowning

  1. Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    .. for ignoring my aberrations… classic man stuff (just sayin)

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Jane Dougherty says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    I like this. It’s touching, tender, and it even rhymes, just what a poem should do.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Darlene says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    OMG! I love your version. It looks like you have some of your father’s ability to put feelings to rhyme.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Lucy Brazier says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Truly beautiful. It stands up very well next to the original, I’d say.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. philosophermouseofthehedge says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    Strikes a strong chord – authentic experiences. Well done

    Liked by 1 person

  6. willowdot21 says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I think you best the original 😀💜

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Ritu says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    Love it His Geoffleship!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Erika Kind says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    My, so beautiful and touching, Geoff!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. thecontentedcrafter says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    See, there you go along buggering around with much loved poems and such and making me sigh and grin and cringe – and then you do this! I do rather love it when you do this!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Aw, Geoff… you ole softy. Your version was just as lovely. Hugs to you and yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. JT Twissel says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    I’d say you stayed very close to the original meaning with a few winks to the reality of modern day love.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Elizabeth says:
    Jul 18, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    Your sentimental side is sneaking past the cynic! Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.