NAP TIME: A REFUSAL IN SONNET FORM

Sonnet 43.1

by Ellison Barrett Browning

How do I love [avoiding naps]? Let me count the ways.

I love [avoiding naps] 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 [avoiding naps] to the level of everyday's 

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love [avoiding naps] freely, as men strive for Right;

I love [avoiding naps] purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love [avoiding naps] with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love [avoiding naps] with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints - I love [avoiding naps] with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,

I shall but love [avoid napping] better after death.