The More Loving One Poem by gershon hepner

The More Loving One


Though Wystan said the stars may think
that all of us should go to hell,
I hate it when we’re not in sync
down here on earth where we both dwell.

He asked what if like stars we burned
with passion that could not be felt,
and heat that never was returned,
as warm as ice that will not melt?

“If love cannot be equal, ” he
declared, “let mine be greater! ” What
a noble and poetic plea––
not hard to make when love is hot.

Though if all stars would disappear
and skies were empty in the night
I don’t think I could feel as near
to them as when they’re all in sight,
if you should ever slink away,
I feel quite sure that I’d regret
your absence so much I’d still say:
“Mine’s greater! ” Please do not forget.


Inspired by W. H. Auden’s “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.

6/2/05