How to Write a Ghazal

Ghazal Poetry

Understand the Structure
A Ghazal is composed of at least five couplets, where each couplet can stand alone yet shares a common rhyme (qaafiya) and refrain (radif) in the second line. Think of it as poetic pearls strung together by repetition and rhyme.
Respect the Meter
Traditionally, every line in a Ghazal follows the same meter, giving it a hypnotic musicality. In English, you can be a bit more flexible—but keep the rhythm in your heart.
Use the Poet's Signature
Old-school Ghazal poets love to sneak their pen name (takhallus) into the final couplet. It's like dropping your signature at the bottom of an emotional masterpiece.
Revel in Themes of Love, Loss, and Longing
Ghazals dive deep into the agony of separation, mystical longing, and existential ache. Keep it lyrical, dramatic, and dripping with intensity.
Let It Sing
The Ghazal is meant to be heard, often sung. Let your couplets dance with internal music, even if no one is playing the sitar in the background.

I want to be held. I want somebody dear to hold me in the wind and the rain when nobody's near to hold me.

— Mimi Khalvati