Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Solomon Ibn Gabirol's poem "They Asked Me As Though They Were Mystified" is a succinct yet profound reflection on the nature of generosity and the tragic consequences that can sometimes accompany it. Through a brief exchange, the poem explores themes of selflessness, sacrifice, and the misunderstandings that can arise from those who fail to grasp the depth of another's character.

The poem opens with the speaker being questioned by others, who seem puzzled or incredulous: "They asked me as though they were mystified: / Is it true your friend’s hands are like clouds?" The metaphor of hands being "like clouds" immediately suggests a sense of generosity and openness. Clouds, which provide rain and sustenance to the earth, are often seen as symbols of giving and nurturing. The comparison implies that the friend's hands, like clouds, were sources of abundant generosity, constantly giving to others without hesitation or reserve.

The speaker’s response to this question reveals the tragic irony of such generosity: "And I told them: They were tied for being too open, / and for goodness of heart of hunger he died." This response turns the metaphor on its head, illustrating the potential dangers of excessive generosity. The phrase "They were tied for being too open" suggests that the friend's hands were figuratively restrained or punished because they gave too freely. The openness of his hands, a symbol of his selflessness, ultimately led to his downfall.

The final line, "and for goodness of heart of hunger he died," underscores the devastating consequences of his self-sacrificial nature. The friend's "goodness of heart" was so profound that it led to his own demise—he gave so much to others that he had nothing left for himself. The imagery of dying from hunger adds a stark, physical dimension to the metaphor, emphasizing the extent to which his generosity consumed him.

Ibn Gabirol’s poem captures the paradox of selflessness: while generosity is often lauded as a virtue, this poem reminds us that it can also lead to vulnerability and suffering if taken to extremes. The friend’s death from hunger serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of giving and the potential for self-destruction that can arise from a lack of self-care.

In just a few lines, "They Asked Me As Though They Were Mystified" presents a powerful commentary on the complexities of human goodness and the fine line between virtue and self-sacrifice. The poem invites readers to consider the balance between giving and self-preservation, and the ways in which society often fails to recognize or value the true cost of generosity. Through this concise yet evocative work, Ibn Gabirol explores the tragic beauty of a life lived with open hands and a giving heart, even as it ultimately leads to a profound and poignant end.

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