This is a rewrite of a ghazal that was written many years ago, making this my 129th. The refrain and preceding rhyme are the same, though possibly more appropriately approached this time around. I also wanted to bring a little Hafez into it this time as well.
Ghazal to the Ghazal
The heart may break its silence with the amorous ghazal;
the soul may sound its depths within the dolorous ghazal.
An ancient tongue arose from the dust of ancient tribes
and bubbled blue oases from the vaporous ghazal.
Long ago the broad Euphrates, dismayed by silence,
nursed arid roots which blossomed forth the prosperous ghazal.
In earthen cities, mahogany eyes and coal black tresses
have played by fountain springs to taste the flavorous ghazal.
We’re living rivers of light, each and all. So come,
partake of dreams inspired by the generous ghazal.
A traveler lost amid the dunes discovered water
by following the cadence of a rapturous ghazal.
Still a desert blossom shades the Poet of Shiraz
to honor all he offered through the rigorous ghazal.
When you heed the call to prayer, close your eyes;
the dry wind tranquilly refrains a wondrous ghazal.
There is a garden where the full moon casts her song,
awakening the roses with her decorous ghazal.
The original, written in March of 2002, can be read under this title: “English Ghazal”.
