In Málaga we visited Picasso's home
climbed the stone steps
of the old Moorish castle
but of all we saw
what I most remember
is the statue
of the poet Ibn Gabirol
a jew who wrote
philosophy in Arabic
and in Hebrew
hymns to the Holy Source
prayers still sung in synagogues
and dirges
lamentations for the sufferings
of Israel
but also songs
that gave voice to his earthly loves
the raptures of his youthful heart
joyous and free
praise for the wonders of Creation
the night sky
so alive with lustrous stars
the earth grew jealous
felt a need to compete
with fields of starlike flowers

The statue was of weathered bronze
grey and life size
the poet as an old man
with bowed head
and lowered eyes
his features narrow
long robe trailing to the ground
his right hand hanging
at his side
his left arm held
across his chest
the hand extended
from the open sleeve
fingers wrapped around a scroll
and on his head
a turban neatly tied
he seemed a troubled soul
or merely sorrowful
we know he had his enemies
and reasons
but what a tribute
to be so remembered
after nine centuries
and long years
since Jews and Muslims alike
had been exiled
from their Spanish homeland
it gave me hope
to come across this statue
raised in honor of
a son of Málaga
jewish philosopher
and poet of Al Andaluz