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 darkness sublime, 

Though this might take me a little time. 

--W.H. Auden

i heard this poem quoted on the show Felicity today. i love the part that says 

"if equal affection cannot be / let the more loving one be me."

i know this is probably more referring to unrequited love or maybe even a relationship where one person cares much more than the other, but in my marriage i want to try to. . . be the more loving one. isn't that what charity is all about? loving someone even when they're being a jerk face?

anyway, not having any problems in my marriage or anything. things are going really great, actually. but this poem touched me. 

enjoy.