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2006 Form Challenges
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The Ghazal is a very interesting poetry form and it exists throughout the whole of the Moslem world having originated
as an Ottoman poetry form. Whilst predating Islam, it was retained and as their religion spread throughout the Ottoman
Empire, so also did their poetry. Mostly the Ghazal is far from religious in its subject matter and indeed the form appears to be blessed with an abundance of erotica. This is probably why the form became very popular in Europe in the 1800's and then in the US with the "Flower Power" generation, and unfortunately the essential elements have been lost in these "Modern Ghazals" and I feel it is time to revive them or at least make it known what those essentials were. The Ghazal is a series of couplets (or Shers). Each Sher should be capable of standing alone as a poem. The first couplet is called the matla or the place where the heavenly body rises. To me this sounds like a pretty good start for a poem. This couplet also sets the meter (Beher) of the poems and the rhyming pattern (Kaafiyaa). In the true Ghazal, the last word/s of both lines of the first couplet must use the same word/s, (Radif).. Similarly, the last line of the following couplets must also end with those same word/s. Modern Ghazals seem only to rhyme these last words.
I'm sure Rumi and other poets that wrote love poetry would applaud the use of the form for this.
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Traditional Ghazal Posts
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Modern Ghazal Posts
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Ghazal Sonnet Posts
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Maryse AchongCome walk with me along this golden shore The way we walked upon that other shore. Life was simple then and dreams plentiful Just like the grains of sand that fill the shore. The secrets we shared with one another Have stayed forever hidden on that shore The footsteps that we left behind us then Were like the ones we make now on this shore. Life’s ups and downs that have since assailed us Are like the ebb and flow that wash the shore. ----- Endless Searching Why do we waste so many hours searching, No time to taste life’s sweetness, always searching. Far too busy to smell the flowers blooming We chase elusive goals, forever searching. The secrets of success we are pursuing, Lie within in our hearts, no need to go searching. Time is precious and we are pilgrims passing, Savour each moment, no time to be searching. We should spend our sojourn here celebrating As we wend our way through life, not in searching. ----- In Celebration Of Indian Arrival Day Tomorrow (Today) May 30th. our country celebrates the arrival of the first indentured labourers to these shores from India in 1845. They came from India to this new land of hope They left their motherland with their hearts full of hope. They arrived on a boat called the Fatel Razack, Though the journey was long they never lost hope. Both Hindus and Muslims came bringing their cultures Though different they shared the common bond of their hope. Today we wear their clothing and relish their food Celebrate their coming which was borne out of hope. Welcome again my Indian brothers and sisters You’ve shown us that once there is life there is hope ----- Life's Gifts Let us think about the gifts of life Those age old secrets of a happy life. Health is something that all of us crave, But health is not a certainty in life. Outer beauty can makes us its slave, And it does not guarantee a good life. We cannot carry wealth to the grave Nor does wealth promise a perfect life. Power can make sane men rant and rave, And power can corrupt the noblest life. Love is the only thing that can save Us; love makes everything worthwhile in life. ----- Mother Earth We’re pilgrims on a journey here on Earth We ought to love the world which we call Earth. Nature bestows gifts which we all collect, And despite this we fail to cherish Earth. We claim all that she offers but neglect In turn to take care of the planet Earth. This place that we call home is being wrecked, And we must do our best to save the Earth. If we don’t learn to show her some respect, In time we’re going to lose our Mother Earth. ----- Nature's Secrets Majestic mountains, you hold secrets we do not know Accounts of heaven and hell that we will never know. Rolling rivers you carry stories from the mountains Captivating narrations that mingle with your flow. Sparkling seas the rivers in their turn confide in you Their sagas and legends now make up your undertow. Fickle firmament you watch over Earth’s abundance Your celestial bodies are a part of this great show. God in Heaven looks down and smiles at His creations, But He weeps at the havoc wreaked on the world below. ----- River Song O river I am lost in the peacefulness of your water, Who knows what intrigue lies beneath the stillness of your water. What events have you witnessed that you have revealed to no one, What plans were made at your side by people who now are long gone. You must have been privy to secrets whispered in your presence, Although they never realized that they had an audience. How many lovers’ trysts were kept on the banks of this river How many promises were made that they failed to deliver ? O river, keeper of many myst’ries throughout the ages Who knows what turbulence beneath your placid surface rages. ----- Ties That Bind My beloved I seek you all the time, I call out, I speak your name all the time. Like the waters that surround my island, I’m encircled by your love all the time. Although you now live on a different plane Our connection defies all space and time. Though I walk alone I’m never lonely, I feel your spirit with me all the time. On the day I hear you answer my call I will understand that it is my time. back to list |
Kathy AndersonSealed inside the bud of rosy love Lies dormant a fragrance of true love Slumbering beneath the sky Snow covers blooms once opened to love Silence under mornings golden rays fly Fallen leaves plucked from the arms of love Silver moon above earth so high Heals with a kiss once scented by love.
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Deborah BelStick figures and a happy face, adorn a windowpane, A lady watches for her love; all she sees is rain. Two lovers dueled, for the right, to win a lady's hand, Below the hearth, a story now, all that's left is stain. What journey will love travel beneath a starlit sky? A lover's leap, transfixed upon a lover's heart to gain. No bird could match the romance of Pegasus in flight; Whisking heroes to their loves, a moonlit flowing mane. There is no gentle path to learn, why love will conquer all; Over rocks and bramble canes, we trudge through lover's lane. ----- What is this Destiny? I sought to find my place in destiny's strong hands; I found the rock I grasped, was 'naught but shifting sands. I sought a simple reason for displays of setting sun; I found a golden backdrop, shot dark with violet bands. I sought to find my face in clips of evening news; I found some refugees, in flight from war-torn lands. back to list |
Gloria CarpenterLuxuriating stretches reach the dawn. A bloom of rising colour blushes dawn. A moon-disk wafer swallowed in a yawn Bestows an early blessing to the dawn. And as the day becomes and then is gone, An ardent sunset feasts in place of dawn. Replete, the deepest shades of night are drawn, And fade into a dream of moonlit dawn. A luminescent smile reflects upon Anticipation ~ essence of the dawn. ----- Inner Glow When lightness hides behind dull shades of gray, A vision fades and starts to lose its way. When locked behind closed doors in dark despair, It seems there is no hope to find a way. A stifling place absorbs each breath of air, While sending thoughts of freedom on their way. Held deep within, a flicker waits to burn. It lingers patiently to light the way. To seek an inner glow, love must return And rid the heart of fear, the only way. A beam of hope illuminates ~ a ray, to light the source inside and shine the way. back to list |
Sal CoraccioSighs of passion ride the air, lovers laughing fill the air. Recognition; blinding light, accusations in the air. Poison arrows in the night, a fog that chills the midnight air. Words of hatred taking flight; knives and glassware in the air. Shaking fists and knuckles white, spitting bile into the air. Truths and lies in anger bite, teeth exposed and sucking air. Enraged hands are squeezing tight; struggling, gasping - must breathe - air. Panicked, utterly contrite - silence slips into the air. Eyes unfocused wide in fright, silence slips into the air. -----
Rose |
Lorraine DafneyCan’t you tell something’s missing Hidden away still missing Searched the house not anywhere I just know something’s missing Perhaps misplaced put somewhere Not declared lost just missing Frustration I scream out where Nothing answers still missing Blinded by her beauty fair Never sensed it was missing Until she voiced her despair Then I realized what’s missing How could you lie and yell swears You too felt something missing Silence overcomes cold stares You knew our love was missing But only one of us cared To find our love was missing back to list |
Allura DThe firelight illuminates the face of love, it lingers soft upon your face. Angelic halo golden in your hair, I read the open verse there in your face. The lines that time has etched and worn with care, A testament to trials that you face. Age disappears, your visage shining fair. Unblemished, yes erased, flown from your face. Reclining in the glow, white shoulders bare, The light of love resplendent in your face. With sanctity, the holiness of prayer- Madonna beauty there, borne in your face. back to list |
Kevin McKinneyThere is a smile at rest upon your face; What happy moment lingers on your face? In formal wear, you glide there with pure grace, And some sweet memory lingering on your face. Your head held high above your feathered breast, To let the sunshine linger on your face; You scan the mirrored river in a quest For one whose notice lingers on your face; One who offered concert and protection And whose reply still lingers on your face. This morning, alone with your reflection, Bright promises are lingering on your face. ----- Gated Community Your presence raises the gait of my heart As your faith once razed the gate of my heart. Where cold stone walls loom impenetrable, Tenderness opens the gate of my heart; Your roots grow deep and sweet blossoms appear Like vines surrounding the gate of my heart. In the cool of the shade of this arbor Soft breezes blow through the gate of my heart. I savor the scent of that prized heirloom That garnishes still the gate of my heart. Generations may pass through on their way To asylum in the gate of my heart; And they'll find it here as a monument To the love that built the gate of my heart. ----- Less Is More I have no qualms conceding helplessness, But I won't swear an oath to helplessness. To worship the scythe, would not save the grass; Not even if it swore to helplessness. We both manage to live free of distress And love the sun in spite of helplessness. While billions who claim they alone possess The truth, in truth, own only helplessness; They think, as they so eagerly profess, Their actions excused by such helplessness. It's hard to settle how they acquiesce Like lemmings leaping off in helplessness, The logic borders on ridiculous; While inculcating other's helplessness, They ring like hollow tombs of emptiness Echoing sacred songs of helplessness. Sure there are powers beyond my hand I guess, But I won't swear to them in helplessness. back to list |
Ryter RoethicleThis time in life of natures grown A time of life for all that's grown. It's splendours as new life abounds A time of life for all that's grown. Flowers spring up from the ground A time of life for all that's grown. Fruit is lush and begins to ripen A time of life for all that's grown. All around is life growing with zest A time of life for all that's grown. Plant and beast are at their best A time of life for all that's grown. Worn for a while a summer crown A time of life for all that's grown. ----- A time of rest. (Winter) The last leaf has fallen with the rest For a while now it is a time of rest. Beneath the earth asleep and still The kernels of the trees lie at rest Bulbs and seed await natures will Amongst other forms of life at rest. The earth's energy needs to refill Whilst the fields lie fallow and at rest All work is done at the water mill The miller too must have his rest. Fishes must swim in ice cold chill But slower now for even they rest. So for three months all will be still Disturb nature not for she is at rest. ----- Rain Lying, listening to the rain drops fall, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall A warm sensuous mood pervades all, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall Feelings movements, inhibitions gone, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall Drinking loves juices our senses done, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall What your eyes are saying is no illusion, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall What we have created is no delusion, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall ----- Rain Lying, listening to the rain drops fall, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall A warm sensuous mood pervades all, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall Feelings movements, inhibitions gone, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall Drinking loves juices our senses done, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall What your eyes are saying is no illusion, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall What we have created is no delusion, Drip, drip, drip, hear the rain drops fall ----- Stars Wandering hand in hand easily we touch the stars Let us dwell there and be free amongst those stars. Life and love give birth to moments of shadows Each shadow pales and falls away before the stars. When lovers touch, loving and love become as one But loving and lovers are more glorious with stars. The moon has become the light for all that is love The deepest love begins under the light of stars. There is no reason to love, love removes all reason But all reason is lost, and all love begins with stars. ----- Sun Where are you, I miss you morning sun? But, it is winter for awhile, there is no sun. The mornings are dark when I leave, The days are dull and wan, there is no sun. This evening you stole the day, as I watched And saw you in all your glory, scarlet setting sun ----- Winters First Day Streets of clouds with the sun peering through Settle to reddened slumber as day is through. Birdsongs are absent now from wintry skies As all avian merriment for a while is through. Homeward drives made difficult by glary skies Led by chilling winds that are knifing through. Soon drives will be made with darker skies And misty fog with headlights punching through. back to list |
Carly SvamvourOver the city, over the fields - home; Across the ocean, into the sky - home. I heard the drums drum; were you in that dream? I felt it like an ache in the wing. Home. Though I recall nothing of heaven's gate, I will see your glow, and know I am home. Now we are walking down that dusty road, you, me and that little dog - I am home. I have felt my heart pain, known joy, light; It's enough to know; enough to come home. Oh, Brother you will know my name; you'll know that I am on my way - I'm home. I'm home. -----
Seasons (Spring) |
Kathy AndersonI hold in my hand a few words he spoke; Reluctant to let it go, that my happiness would choke. Vagarantly his thoughts became my mine, Invariably a passing trend remaining under cloak. Natally given a muse for happiness, Grown now into laughing at the way it floats. Bestowed a gift that now is revoked of mime, Never to be shown as a demented hoax. ----- Ever Dreamt of Rose To laugh amongst the lillies Is an ever dreamt of rose To weep beside the seas Mocks the ever dreamt of rose To humor a users purpose Is a thorn to the ever dreamt of rose A satire is never deserved By the ever dreamt of rose back to list |
Ryter RoethicleLike a prisoner you have me bound to you Not counting days and weeks till freedom due. There are no prison bars, my hands to feel Like a prisoner you have me bound to you. A wound from cupid’s dart that will not heal Not counting days and weeks till freedom due. No fear of breakout or escape, there's no appeal Like a prisoner you have me bound to you. My life is sealed by chance, just one deal Not counting days and weeks till freedoms due. Not counting days and weeks till freedom due. Like a prisoner you have me bound to you. back to list |
Gloria CarpenterAs darkness blankets all that sleep beneath, a rustle takes on life, and softly glows. A stirring in the undergrowth appears, discovered by a beam that heaven throws. Dispersing waves reveal the gems of night, reflecting on the wishes each one knows. Some secrets feel an option of release, as nightfall beckons whispers to disclose. If mysteries stay hidden, losing sight, does blindness open pathways that enclose? There is a tide for all, awake, asleep to breathe through beauty as it ebbs and flows. A shadow hesitates, and then is gone along a timeless trail of moonlit toes. ----- Evensong Tonight a heaven scent of evensong is wafting, honeysuckle with wild rose. A fragrant rhythm drifts in shadow clouds of petals folding essence, in night’s close. Through wends of arching vine, a trumpet calls, resounding in bell flowers strung in rows. Amongst the hedgerows, blossoms glimmer white, in hope of succulence as summer grows. Below, a clustering of nodding heads show gratitude, in blessing’s graceful pose. A tiny rosebud dreams of her debut inside a lullaby of sweet repose. As darkness blankets all that sleep beneath, a rustle takes on life, and softly glows. back to list |
Ryter RoethicleSave not a thing it all must end It’s inevitable all things must end. Why must someone have to die Why must there have to be an end Why is it only then we realise That it’s too late, we’ve lost a friend All things have not been said have they? Say it now, drop your pride and bend Friendship is still the greatest wealth Why must we wait until the end? Declare your love or regret forever Love is riches you cannot spend The dead take nothing with them It’s inevitable all things must end. ----- Yesterday 666 No more glory do I see each morn Where clouds of fog show the winters scorn. Dim twilight is the herald of dawn No more glory do I see this morn. Traffic slows now in the darker shrouds And some show respect for winters scorn. But smaller beings in four wheel trucks Tried for glory when they drove this morn. Some drivers more intent and care For the clouds of fog and winters scorn. The reckless cursed by saner folk No glory do they see on the drive that morn. The screams of the dammed welcome them Where sulphered smoke shows Satan’s scorn. back to list |
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