Autumn Lullaby – Ghazal – September 24, 2015

Write for me an autumn lullaby
Sing for me your autumn lullaby

These autumn winds sigh each night –  a lullaby
And days grow languid – light as a lullaby

Rich has been the harvest – bring your lullaby
Let the earth fall asleep –  sing a lullaby

Little children will shout your lullaby
And men will speak about your lullaby

And then Georgia will hum your winsome lullaby
Your song for the autumn your crimson lullaby

© G.s.k. ‘15

Here is how you write a ghazal:

1. Every verse is a 2-line couplet, (unless your Robert Bly) with around 4 to 10 couplets in total.
2. Each line must contain the same number of syllables.
3. Every verse ends in the same word(s) preceded by a rhyme.
The same repeating word(s) is/are called a radif, and the rhyme is called a qaafiya.
4. In the first couplet, both lines end with a qaafiya (rhyme) and radif (repeating word(s)).
5. Each verse is considered a separate mini-poem, so there is no need for any connection between couplets.
6. The last verse is traditionally a signature couplet in which you include your first or last name (or nickname).

Leafy Boat Lullaby – Free Verse – October 13, 2014

The Grand Canal from Palazzo Flangini to Campo San Marcuola, Canaletto, 1738

 

Leafy Boat Lullaby – Free Verse

Riding on my leafy boat
along the gutter
to the stream
with just my hopes,
that make-up my dreams,
and my pet field mouse
to accompany me …
I’ll cross the lake
then flow into the Po
and finally I’ll find
the Grand Canal
where all the merchants
of the Republic sail
to the Holy Land
and beyond …
so let it rain
what say you my dear
I need the gutter stream
to wander
and if the thunder
sounds like cannon balls
we’ll just ignore them
and the celestial wars …
I’ll find a rainbow
then off I’ll go
to my leafy boat
and handily
will I float off to the sea
… if you want
you can come with me
into dream land
with this lullaby
and we’ll visit
the King of China …

(c) G.s.k. ’14