"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.

Wonderful

I once had a dream of you

You were facing the sky

As if my gray were your blue

I tried to scratch away at the iron facade that bound us

As if it were a scab

and if I were lucky-

The sky would crack

And your blue- your luxuries- your wishes; your hopes inexorably

would be the death of you.

Your failings would fill my containment

With a soothing liquid

Until I floated and flooded, over the walls that confined my being

and your misgivings would be transfigured into my joyous contentment.