El Sabio

Santa María!—
What light is this
that bathes the face of Spain
in its splashing fountain?
Who lifts the veil
of oppressive night
and blows a fresh wind of
erudition
from the blossoming sweetness
of Valencia's orange groves
to the cool and swaying palms
of Sevilla?
Viva el rey!—
bloom of culture
and steward of the law,
shaping the Spanish soul
from lilting tongues of Islam.
A brilliant moment—
strains of lute,
quivering in the sunlit air...
a melody
that is once sung,
and folds itself
into the woven tapestry
of time.

Santa María!


© 2011 Katharine L. Sparrow

Inspiration: the life and rule of Alfonso X of Castile, Spain. He was the prototypical philosopher-king, and is aptly named El Sabio -- "the Learned" or "the Scholar."