let me count the ways!

By Julia Trops with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I paint thee to the depth and breadth and height
My eyes can reach, when seeing without sight,
Of the thoughts of life and ideal grace.

I paint thee to the level of everyday
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I paint thee freely, as colour is given its right;
I paint thee purely, as life is experienced in its need
I paint thee with the passion put to use
From my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I paint thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,
I paint thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!

And if the fates choose,
Thou shalt love my work better,
before my death.