How to Write a Ghazal Poem
full of luscious longing
One of our favorite kinds of form poem is the ghazal—generally a poem of longing.
The longing often focuses on unrequited love. Sometimes that love is for a person, but other times it is for the past, or a lost or broken city, or a declining culture.
If you are feeling a little lost (and a little longing), the ghazal is always a great form to slip into for the afternoon…
I am wanting to write, by the citrus tree, a ghazal for you
A big, beautiful gingery ghazal for you
But my mind feels tired—no oranges
And really I want a pearly ghazal for you …
—excerpt from “Longing for a Ghazal” (full poem below)