"...total dark sublime..."

[browngirl]

otherdeb reminded me of this poem, which I have identified with since I first read it.

The More Loving One - W. H. Auden

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.

Comments

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

my second-favorite auden poem!

(i probably like "as i walked out one evening" better because it's weirder, but this is the one i know by heart :)

[fflo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. That was great.

[claudia603.livejournal.com]

That gave me a chill!