Moments of Hafiz: NamaSpirit Poetry Group - Presenting a Ghazal by Brabazon

Ghazal by Francis Brabazon

This Salt Waste
(Ghazal 36 )


This salt waste, and a sky that is the mirror of our gief----
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?

At first tears were a wardon that unlocked our hearts and set us free
How could we know that in time they would become a raging sea?

That night when the stars fell out of the sky, you said:
But a little while and you will be comforted.

This salt waste, and a sky that is the mirror of our gief----
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?

The sun rose no more and we could not plot a course
The curling wave and the hiss of the wind like a curse.

How many lifetimes ago was that --or is it merely years---
Since we sat huddled in a boat the wind and current steers

This salt waste, and a sky that is the mirror of our gief----
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?

The only light is lightnings that burn through the darkness and sear our eyes;
Then we cup our hands to our mouths as the rain pours down from the skies.

All this in a boat as frail as a bubble. Surely it is your mercy
Which bears us on and keeps us from the hungry mouth of the sea.

This salt waste, and a sky that is the mirror of our gief----
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?
How long can we survive unless you send us relief?



by Francis Brabazon