Thank God for Poets

I just stumbled upon this poem again. A 7th-year student in the sociology department first exposed me to it. I heard it again this morning as it was alluded to in an episode of the TV show "Felicity" -- the line about "let the more loving one be me."

How powerful! I often face this feeling like it's a weakness, but thank God for poets who make these human impulses seem more worthy. 

W.H. Auden, "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.