Ghazal
The ghazal is a style of poetry that began in Persia in the sixth century. The mystics and poets of Persia were the main users of the form. By the 12 century it was being practiced in India as well. A ghazal poem must follow a particular form. It contains anywhere from five to fifteen couplets. The couplets are called sher. The second line in … Keep Reading → each couplet contains a word or phrase that is repeated. This is known as a radif. The last couplet may contain the name of the writer. Ghazal poems have a consistent meter throughout. The theme of a ghazal is always the same; the pain and suffering of unrequited love. There have been numerous admirers of the ghazal form in western nations. American poets who have written ghazal poems include W.S. Merwin and Adrienne Rich.
