Ghazal Games. Roger Sedarat

       Ghazal Game #1

      Think of the greatest love you’ve ever had ( ).

      Write his/her name in the space provided _____________.

      As long as you reiterate this name,

      The semblance of this ghazal is complete: _____________!

      Don’t doubt, no matter what terror may come,

      That God will fill your emptiness with Dear _____________.

      For me, Janette. For Dante, Beatrice.

      For Rumi, Sham-y-Tabriz. And for you? _____________.

      Space makes the greatest rhyme. Sufis know this,

      In spite of their lust for someone just like _____________.

      Now burn your useless books! You’ll learn much more

      Inside schoolhouses of desire taught by _____________.

      Is it so silly, making readers work?

      Doesn’t most poetry ask you to find _____________?

      “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here

      To join (state your full name) and (state his/hers) __________ . . .”

      Computer code, universal language,

      Breaks down when translating the essence of _____________.

      Would you obsess over your petty shame?

      Instead, substitute it with a kiss from _____________.

      All maps lead you to bliss. Your GPS

      Just estimates the time and distance to _____________.

      Before the loggers come for the last tree,

      Write this last line with a sharp knife: I _____________.

      At this point, do you think you really chose _____________?

      Before you were born, you were chosen by _____________!