And one more thing. I have a poem I've been 'stuck' on for years, knowing it's not really working but not knowing how to make it better, even after workshopping it several times. After reading this poem think I know exactly what my poem needs. Reading is essential to becoming a better writer :)
I so love this manipulation of the ghazal form. So many contemporary ghazals forget the naming part in the closing couplet. This ghazal doubles down on the use of names in the form, especially in the closing couplet, which 'breaks' the form a bit with the longer lines. And the implications with the storms are brilliant. I could go on and on about why this poem works for me. Thanks so much for sharing, and I'm excited about this Substack page. I love engaging in conversations about great poems. Social reading is such an important part of the process for extroverted writers like me.
Thank you, Dick. When I recorded this in the morning, I only did it once and wasn’t happy with it, but had to rush to go play tennis so didn’t think much of it — the reason I am critical of the reading, perhaps, is because I read it SO much better in my head, that there’s always a gap, haha. But thank you very much, I’m happy you enjoyed it.
And one more thing. I have a poem I've been 'stuck' on for years, knowing it's not really working but not knowing how to make it better, even after workshopping it several times. After reading this poem think I know exactly what my poem needs. Reading is essential to becoming a better writer :)
Oh so glad to hear that! Reading truly is the best cure for any kind of writer’s block.
I so love this manipulation of the ghazal form. So many contemporary ghazals forget the naming part in the closing couplet. This ghazal doubles down on the use of names in the form, especially in the closing couplet, which 'breaks' the form a bit with the longer lines. And the implications with the storms are brilliant. I could go on and on about why this poem works for me. Thanks so much for sharing, and I'm excited about this Substack page. I love engaging in conversations about great poems. Social reading is such an important part of the process for extroverted writers like me.
Thank you, TR, we love your readership! And I too could go on and on about why this poem works.
Please do
Oh. Love this, especially the last “couplet.” Oh, and the reading was sublime.
Thank you, Dick. When I recorded this in the morning, I only did it once and wasn’t happy with it, but had to rush to go play tennis so didn’t think much of it — the reason I am critical of the reading, perhaps, is because I read it SO much better in my head, that there’s always a gap, haha. But thank you very much, I’m happy you enjoyed it.
This is K's all-time favorite ghazal and up there in terms of all time favorite poems also! 💙