Breath, Smiles, Tears

A Statue at the Art Museum

This statue the reminds me of a poem. A poem that for me is about things I feel. It was written by a women about a man. Elizabeth Browning wrote it about a relationship she felt strongly about. At the time that she wrote it the poem could be said to have a political edge to it. It revealed her awareness of the conflict at that time between what was the existing literary tradition and what this represented as a opposing but emerging tradition of women's writing.

She wrote a great deal in the 1820's and 30's. I am always fascinated at what changes came into the world during this time period. It is a favorite time period of mine for literature. Now 180++ years later I find the words ones that I would like to write. I find each line of this poem builds from the previous. The Statue says, " this is us". The words say, "this is me".

How Do I Love Thee?

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 grief’s, 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

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.