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.