Dots

Ancients gazed to heaven and detected dots
Winking points of light became connected dots

Embracing in a field of forget me nots
Devoted lovers dwell within dilated dots

The frame that sets our vision leaves a world without
Silent, unseen shadows – disconnected dots

The static on the edge requests of patriots
To trace their borders well beyond selected dots

My name does not determine who my friends are not
Nor ought my place of birth impose rejected dots

My first Ghazal, We shared the rain, was written after a little research into the Urdu form of the Ghazal. I used a text written by Abhay Avachat as my guide, as it appears to be very authoritative. While I am quite pleased with the end result, I don’t think it passes one important test. That is, the Shers (or couplets) don’t necessarily convey a message independently of the whole.

I hope that this, my second attempt, comes closer to observing the form and intention of the Ghazal in its entirety.

Those who are familiar with the Ghazal will notice that I have not named my ‘takhallus’ in the Maqta (final Sher). This is a deliberate choice. My alias does not yet hold his identity with confidence. He has embarked upon a search for the truths that speak to the hearts and minds of all peoples, in all places, past and present. Only when he comes nearer to that goal can he recognise his name and offer it to posterity.

Further references:
Journeys into Poetic Forms – An Electronic Chapbook Collection By Zahhar