The Most Powerful Love Letters Ever Written

What's hiding in your mail pile? Imagine if, among the gas bills, catalogs, and takeout menus, there were a letter from a lover, telling you in beautiful English that you’re the best thing ever. The internet is an unbelievably great form of communication, but a touching text on iMessage or WhatsApp tends to fall between all your other chat threads, open apps, and tabs. It might make you smile for a moment — but a letter makes you stop.

These letters made hearts stop. From some of history’s greatest literary heroes and most-adored artists and actors, here are nine of the most powerful sentiments ever written. They describe love that's turbulent, stolen, unrequited, certain, and pure. Read on; then, find the nearest pen and get writing.