The More Loving One
Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.
How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.
Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.
Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.
~ W. H. Auden
We are adaptable creatures, on the whole. So, this door, or that heart has been closed against us? Well, it may take a little time, but we will go on. Arise and even if you can’t shine yet – rising is the first step, no?
Always good to see Auden appear! Here’s to the stars we do see.
@divatobe: This break, we had thought briefly we’d go down to a Darksky Village in Death Valley to photograph stars – I thought of that when I saw this poem, and thought, “could I really get used to loving just the dark?” I shall cherish the stars whilst I have them!!
Thought provoking poem (new to me). Must read more Auden now . . . 🙂 Happy New Year!
@jama: I was a huge Auden fan in college, and then got distracted — yes, it IS a good time to read more Auden, as he, throughout his long life, wrote in almost every single poetic form, and wrote brilliantly.