Winter Hearth Ghazal

Dark—though all the world sleeps, long
I strain to hear blackbird song

Your wings winter-folded, soft-
swept snow, river-fog blurred song

Locked into memory, green-
forest days spinning word-song

By berry bramble, your wings
covered all desire, spurred song

Unsung, for better or worse
by this cold hearth, unstirred song

Now dawn-white shadow gathers
plaintive dream-note—unheard song

My first attempt at the ghazal form.