My Dad, 70, can still quote poems and sonnets like the one below, and many more. Browning is one of his favorites. Someday I'm going to have to apply myself to memorize such things. Scripture comes easier to me because I hear and read it more often. But still I can't say that I have purposefully memorized many verses. Sure I've got some memorized, but mostly I can repeat them simply because, as I said before, I've read and heard them so many times that repeating them just comes naturally.
There is an uncommon discipline associated with intentionally sitting down to memorize something, without having to do it as homework. I admire those who do.
XLIII. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
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2 comments:
I'm sure your wife would love it if you could memorize that.
You know, I'll bet you're right.
On second thought, maybe not. Problem is she'd think I was sick or something, or that somebody had spiked my eggnog. :)
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