There are many things driving me to study and write poetry, not the least of which is this sense or belief that I have something important and tangible to offer through the medium. I later rewrote this ghazal entirely under the revised title, “Offerings” (pluralized).
Offering
I trudge now back through this grime for you
Because it may ease the climb for you.
Because you just might learn from my pain,
I re-walk that bitter rime for you.
I’m told there are riches deep within,
So I search this fetid slime for you.
I seek rubies in the cave of loss,
Yet I’m glad to spend the time for you.
The earth and stars all could have been mine,
But I’ve passed these chances prime for you.
I’ll peel the rind and my soul expose,
Then wait as a silent mime for you.
Pearls were buried with my heart, you see,
So I dig back through the lime for you.
If in your depths these words resonate,
Zahhar is sounding a chime for you.
This is my 61st ghazal.
