Ghazal

If I said every tear, each sob, each sigh
quietens, stops and all our tears soon dry,
                                                             who'd argue?

If I said every voice stung to the cry
'What is the point?' doesn't want a reply,
                                                             who'd argue?

If I said time will tell, heal, steal, fly—
take it, give it, do with it as you're done by,
                                                             who'd argue?

But if hopelessness did, who would deny
its right to be heard, if hope were to try,
                                                             who'd argue?

Who'd argue over love? Who'd follow my
example? You, my love? Then who am I
                                                             to argue?

Copyright © 2004 Mimi Khalvati All rights reserved
from Cimarron Review
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission