Ghazal (pronounced guzzle), is a mono-rhymed and lyrical-styled poem with a minimum of five couplets. Normally, it does not have more than fifteen. The first rhyming couplet of the ghazal introduces a poetic scheme which is made with a rhyme followed by a refrain. Thereafter, the couplets follow the same scheme in the second line only. It rhymes the second line with both lines of the first stanza. This poetic form has a rhyming scheme of aa, ba, ca, da, etc.

Ghazals are often sung by Iranian, Indian, and Pakistani musicians. The form has roots in seventh-century Arabia, and gained prominence in the thirteenth and fourteenth-century thanks to such Persian poets as Rumi and Hafiz. Normally, the final couplet may include the poet’s signature, referring to the author in the first or third person, which frequently include the poet’s own name or a derivation of its meaning. The following is an example:

My Dearest Love-Relieve This Pain!

My dearest love your presence erases my pain

Stay with me until my last breath- relieve this pain!

Your loving charm touches my soul from days of old

Now I will need your charming kiss-relieve this pain!

Your elegant grace has filled this place from the start

Charms from your heart will be with me-relieve this pain!

The touch of your fingers I always remember

Touch my face once more; as it rains-relieve this pain!

The beauty of your smile has set my mind wild

Once more whisper words in my ears-relieve this pain!

Like a butterfly release me from this cocoon

I will await you one noon day-relieve this pain!

Alas, the bliss of your kiss I will surely miss

Your love Joseph, your kiss will miss-relieve this pain!