#3 (Huzzah for the Ghazal!)

So, this ghazal form pretty much fascinates me. I haven't yet attempted to write one for myself, though I fully intend to. This definitely classifies as an intimidating form though. I think that I am most concerned with the ryhme scheme. I noticed that every example in the packet repeats the exact word to fulfill the "a" rhyme scheme that is required in every couplet. This approach definitely seems easier than attempting to insert a new rhyming word each time, especially if you are aiming to write a ghazal of any considerable length. I think that the repetition of the word would also contribute to the ghazal's musical quality. However, this repetition may also make it harder for each couplet to stand on its own since the goal would be to use the word in new ways each time, which may lean toward an inter-stanza dependency. I am also fascinated by the fact that the ghazal incorporates the author's name towards the end of the poem. I don't think that I could ever write a poem where it felt natural to insert "Kristen," but I do think that I could insert a nickname or something of the like. Of course, this would mean that I would either have to point this out or make it blatantly clear in the poem somehow. Overall, I think ghazals represent a challenging fascination to me and I am interested to see how they play out in my future.