Tag Archives: ghazal

It is cold under a rag blanket in the early hours—
Yet no eiderdown was ever embroidered with such flowers.

Click here to read the full ghazal #118 and commentary.

Though your Joseph has gone away and your cheeks with hot tears burn,
Do not neglect your mirror—for one day he will return.

Click here to read the full ghazal #119 and commentary.

Long before the morning stars sang together I started my journey.
A million times have I been born, yet never was I born free.

Click here to read the full ghazal #120 and commentary.

Since we slew that lecherous old man Hope one nostril
Breathes clearly, we have freed one wing of spirit’s kestrel.

Click here to read the full ghazal #121 and commentary.

The glory of God is expressed in the lover’s sigh,
For he is one who longs for death but cannot die.

Click here to read the full ghazal #122 and commentary.

Oh, for that grand day when the bones of mind have crumbled to dust,
And the flesh of heart has been shredded to pure song-stuff without the least lust!

Click here to read the full ghazal #123 and commentary.

Though winter has caught the world and your heart in its iron grip,
Do not let your faith’s hold on your beloved Joseph slip.

Click here to read the full ghazal #124 and commentary.

These songs I sing I assure you are not of my choice,
They are because my silent God delights in my voice.

Click here to read the full ghazal #125 and commentary.

The light of poetry has lit all language-camps;
It is time for it to burn in modern English lamps.

Click here to read the full ghazal #126 and commentary.