sonnet for a west kerry maiden
(With apologies to Elizabeth)
How do I like thee? Let me count the ways.
I like thee to the depth and breadth and height
Thy form can leap, when galloping in flight
Tow’rd birds on beach, with all thy glorious grace.
I like thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet rest, when sleep has stilled thy might.
I like thee freely, as thee are free of spite.
I like thee purely, as pure as thy sweet ways.
I like thee with the passion put to use
In your young joys, and with a puppy’s faith.
I like thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost champs. I like thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears of your full life; and, god’s a ruse,
But I shall like thee far beyond thy death.