Read Write Poem prompt #98 – Whee! – got me thinking about spinning and whirling, and because I live in Turkey, that led to the dervishes, to Rumi, and to this ghazal. I’ve never tried to write one before, and I’m not sure I completely understand the form. This article – What Is a Ghazal and How to Write It - was the most helpful resource I found.
Fair Fireworks by auburnxc
Tuesday Market
Canvas tents unfurl today.
The market crowds swirl today.
Braided ropes of new garlic
festoon stalls like pearls today.
I stand at the edge afraid
to enter that whirl today.
Bright colors, big noise, sharp smells
around me they curl today.
Will I learn, at last, what words
the fishmongers hurl today?
Cold wind blusters through the tents.
Scarves and aprons twirl today.
Into the fray, Laughing Dove,
or go hungry, girl, today.
Tags: ghazal · Read Write Poem2 Comments
well I think the blog issues are resolved. Interesting form. This one feels a little raw. I think that your Field Notes project probably helped you with the form in terms of each stanza standing on its own.
Favorite stanza: Will I learn, at last, what words/the fishmongers hurl today? each line stand on their own so there are three different ideas parsed in those 11 short words.
Obviously I cannot comment on the ghazal style… but who wants to critique that when everything else feels so great anyway. Wonderful rhythm and imagery and underlying meaning. Well done! I’ve been enjoying your delicate, simple, beautiful photos for awhile now. Thanks for sharing your words too. I hope all is well.