The More Loving One

by W.H. Auden

Looking up 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 cannot return?

If equal affection cannot be,

Let the more loving one be me

Admirer as I think I am

Of stars who 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