I think I love thee
With the violence of a storm
And the grasp of a bird of prey
- With the ardor of a consort.

I love thee in such a way
That the bowels of my being
- Like an incandescent volcano – are ablazed
With the fire of passion.

I love thee as purely as a child – amazed
By the great light of the sun
Over the crests of the waves
- As the one who aspireth for Heaven.

Like a prayer at dawn
I love thee, so serene
And calm and silent.

I think I love thee
More than the cicadas hanker for the summer...
As a flower blooming in the morning
- Naked – bathed by the dew of the night, I whisper for the touch of thine hands.

I love thee with all my soul
And all my pride...
To the length and breadth
And width
Of the universe.

In the lines of a verse
I love thee
With all my strength
And breath and life.
With the allegiance
Of a priest worshipping at night.

I think I love thee
With all the poetry of the world
And the joy which filleth every heart.
From the mountain highest

I love thee
From the bottom of the sea
And the deepest valley
- In an unutterable way...
And if God may,
Thou too, shalt love me.