The More Loving One
by W.H. Auden
The More Loving One (1958) is a beautiful poem about unrequited or asymmetrical love, and whether the universe cares about our existence. "If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me."
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.
We feature this poetry video link in our collection of Poetry for Students and Pulitzer Prize Poetry.
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