The ghazal is composed of a minimum of five couplets—and typically no more than fifteen—that are structurally, thematically, and emotionally autonomous. The form has roots in seventh-century Arabia, and gained prominence in the thirteenth- and fourteenth-century thanks to such Persian poets as Rumi.
In a discussion moderated by poet and educator Mark Neely, poets Elizabeth Gross, Daniel WK Lee, Tiana Nobile, and Brad Richard will talk about what draws them to this ancient form in the 21st century. They will read their ghazals, followed by a conversation about the challenges and rewards of writing and/or teaching the form.
As part of the Words & Music Festival, this event will be livestreamed free and available to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted. Proceeds from Words & Music support One Book One New Orleans' year-round adult literacy outreach and free public programming.
This event is sponsored by the Poetry Matters Project and supported in part by a grant from Poets & Writers.
