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A Question For Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, and I quote: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." And then she proceeded to list as many as she could in fourteen lines, Telling her husband, Robert, and us, in the process, Just how deeply and fervently she loved him. But I would pose this query to Mrs. B., "Liz, dearie, Does being able to list all the reasons you love a person Enable you to love that person more, or better, or differently?" In my view, I see no need for yard-long lists of words Declaring love steadfast and true. No need for lists, or sonnets, even, When just three simple words will do.

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Lin Lane

Date: 8/19/2023 2:51:00 AM

Therein lies the difference between residents of Venus and Mars. Women make lists and love the decorations you mention in your reply to Andrea. Forgive us our need or desire, for such a list. It would've been interesting to know his thoughts, whether in a list or a romantic Sonnet for her. There is no need for one. Although "I love you" is meaningful, it's only three words. Write me a poem that tells me more, and I'd adore you for it.

Jim Slaughter
Date: 8/19/2023 10:15:00 AM

Thanks, Lin. I imagine Robert appreciated Liz's words very much.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/13/2023 2:53:00 PM

Interesting and true but then where is the place for poetry?

Jim Slaughter
Date: 8/14/2023 11:09:00 AM

Thanks, Andrea. It's in one's perspective, I suppose. To me, "i love you" is the poetry...everything else is just decoration.

Bill Baker

Date: 8/12/2023 2:48:00 PM

How true ... I Love you, says it all if you truly mean what you say. Good question for her, and a cleaver and creative way to create a poem today. Write On! I like the way you think, Jim. Bill

Jim Slaughter
Date: 8/13/2023 10:12:00 AM

Thank you, Bill, and I have no doubt whatsoever that she meant them most definitely.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 8/12/2023 12:28:00 PM

I like your logic and the way you’ve expressed it, Jim! We will never know what he thought of her list (unless he wrote his response, of which I am not aware)…

Jim Slaughter
Date: 8/13/2023 10:10:00 AM

Thanks, Ilene. According to Wikipedia he thought very highly of her and her poetry...enough to propose marriage. I also learned that she was only age 55 when she died.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 8/12/2023 10:51:00 AM

Yes, those three simple words are all you need, but we poets often are tempted to use more! Very astute observation, Jim~

Jim Slaughter
Date: 8/13/2023 10:08:00 AM

Thanks, Michelle, and you're right. Sometimes those three simple words are very difficult to say...or even to write.