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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 to 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 dayWere 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
Posted by Tyler Cowen on March 10, 2007 at 08:00 PM in Books | Permalink
Comments
Beautiful of course... See also Brodsky's tribute to Auden in his "Less than one" (selected essays).
Posted by: Jean Marie Wildeboer Schut at Mar 11, 2007 9:00:05 AM
How had I missed this beautiful Auden poem? Thanks so much for posting it.
There's a happiness lesson there, too -- if you try to be the more loving
one, you will FEEL more loving, and more loved. And that's happiness.
Posted by: Gretchen Rubin at Mar 11, 2007 1:55:52 PM
That's wonderful. By coincidence, the sermon at our church this morning was a reflection on nightime and the special appreciation for creation that comes from quiet contemplation of a starlit sky. I am often surprised at the anguish and argument that is spent over the believability of comparatively trivial miracles, like turning water into wine, healing a leper, or even virgin birth. The more important miracle, which if it is true would be truly magnificent, is that creation and creator should care about mere humans. Unlike Auden, I wouldn't mind if we were loved by the stars.
Posted by: parke at Mar 11, 2007 9:17:50 PM
Oh my, it's about Reference Dependence!
Posted by: John Horowitz at Mar 12, 2007 10:22:25 AM
gotta start reading me some auden. thanks muchly much.
Posted by: Kent at Mar 12, 2007 9:25:15 PM
This is a moving and beautiful poem. I would also not mind being loved by stars, either. It seems like stars would be nonjudgemental and indifferent to our flaws. It's hard today to feel totally loved by everyone. Of course, we aren't. There is so much materialism in the world that we sometimes forget to look past that and see the real person. I also like the poems idea about looking up at the stars at night and just thinking. The poem made me feel peaceful inside. It's fascinating to sit outside at night and just look at the stars, too. A person can finally feel whole inside without the chaos and fast paced life of today. It's really comforting actually. But, I love the poem and it's underlying meanings! Good post!
Posted by: Leah at Mar 12, 2007 10:13:00 PM
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