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A modern translation
This poem is particularly difficult to understand. To help, I will begin with a ‘modern
translation’ to help you get to grips with what the poem is saying at its most simplistic,
literal level.
Copyright MrBruff.com
THE ORIGINAL POEM MODERN TRANSLATION
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.
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How much do I love you? I will write you a
list.
I love you massively and without knowing
where our love will take us. My love for you
is God-like and holy.
I love you enough to cook and clean for you.
I love you without having to try.
I love you with absolute purity.
I love you with the same strong emotions I
used to feel when I was really sick, and
when I was a little girl learning about God.
I love you for better and worse with all my
life.
If it’s OK with God, I will carry on loving you
in heaven.