One of the most famous love poems in American literature – Sonnet 43, but better known by a much more famous title:

How Do I Love Thee?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

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.

What is the most popular gift given to one’s valentine? I’d guess it is probably chocolate with 58 MILLION POUNDS of it bought during the week before Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day