Eight years after losing my wife I can't say that I am still mourning but there isn't a night I don't wish I could still hold her. I am still wearing my wedding ring! Quite irrationally I feel it would be a betrayal of our 54 years together if I took it off!
How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
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.