How Do I Love Thee

John recited this poem by Browning to Marlena in Hawaii on 7/8/99

John: Marlena Evans Black, 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.

Marlena: 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;

John: I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

Marlena: 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,

John and Marlena together:
I shall but love thee better after death.

To see the Hoenymoon Pictures Click Here

Previous

Back to John & Marlena page