How Do I Love Thee?
As I write this, my Mary and I have celebrated forty-eight Valentine's Days together. That's a long time. We have put up with each other's idiosyncracies for so long that they have become part of our relationship. Without these unique qualities we would not experience that true love which spans the years far beyond the early glow of romance and infatuation.
There is a feeling of comfortableness when you near the golden anniversary, much like wearing an old shoe. There is the respect that recognizes when to cross over or not cross over into the other's space. But most of all there is that closeness which comes when one or both are suffering and the slight touch of a hand makes it all feel better. Although the flame of passion still flares up occasionally, it is the warm glow of the fire which makes true love last.
I dedicate this page to the love of my life and may the coming years be as rich as those which we have left behind. Mary, you are my valentine.
Copyright © Jay D Weaver - February 14, 2003
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To My Valentine
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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 candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love 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.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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