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.
W.H.Auden