Ghazal poetry sometimes asks the big questions. Who am I? Why am I here? And, for that matter, why are you?
Poetry Prompt
Though ghazal poetry can be quite poignant, it can also contain a humorous twist, usually in the last stanza. Why not make your whole poem do the twist, and ask a “big question” throughout, about an unusual subject. You could take either a poignant or a humorous approach. (Need a reminder for how to write a ghazal? Go here.)
Thanks to our participants in last week’s poetry prompt. Here’s a ghazal we enjoyed from Donna Falcone…
I Should Have Raised Chickens!
Mom used to say I SHOULD HAVE RAISED CHICKENS!
At least you will get EGGS if you’ve raised chickens!
…and you can be a star at the county fair
with first place, blue ribbon, highly praised chickens!
Have you ever seen a farmer losing sleep at night
waiting up for a new driver, teen crazed chicken?
…or sobbing deep rivers of guilty mother’s tears
After cooking and enjoying a delicious braised chicken?
Yeah, my mother said there’d be days like this!
(Last night I dreamed of chocolate glazed chicken!)
Photo by Koshyk, Creative Commons, via Flickr.
______
Sometimes we feature your poems in Every Day Poems, with your permission of course. Thanks for writing with us!
Browse poets and poems
Browse more writing prompts
Browse more ghazal poems
- An Exclusive Call for Poems: Jekyll and Hyde - November 28, 2022
- Making Peace With Paradise—Celebrate + Poetry Prompt! - September 15, 2022
- Summer Respite + Take Your Poet to Work Day - July 15, 2022
Maureen Doallas says
Donna,
Thank you for another good one!
Let me know how that chocolate chicken glaze tastes (and which of those online recipes you used).
Donna says
LOL! Thanks Maureen, and thank you Tweetspeak for featuring my Ghazal! That poem was headed for a sentimental journey until Maureen took my chocolate comment to heart and got me thinking in another direction!
As for the chicken, Maureen, I’m not sure my family is ready for Chocolate Glaze on their poultry, BUT this recipe does look interesting, and subtle enough that I might just get away with it: http://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/photos/5-spicy-chocolate-dishes/venezuelan-chocolate-chicken 😉 I’ll let you know if I try it!
Megan Willome says
What fun, Donna!
Donna says
😀 cluck cluck
Maureen Doallas says
Not an unusual subject but the questions asked for the twisting of words.
————————
Ten-Question Ghazal
Your kiss, must it betray false love?
If not, what bids me down-mark love?
Why must you flee from light of day?
Whose hands work magic dark, Love?
Does she a plea each night new make?
Might I, in truth, remark, Love?
If long’s the game, what prize be won?
Why snag the tiger shark, Love?
Would you her name in slumber speak?
Tell me, who ignites your spark, Love?