Ghazal : game at the tavern

Sometimes a mood sings off-key, what can be done?

A partner turns to enmity, what can be done?

I’ve laid my cards flat open on the table,

not the suit of a dummy, what can be done?

The other plays high and that’s a heady chance

but those stakes are not for me, what can be done?

The tavern is full, the wine smiles as it’s poured

my cup can’t take its ruby, what can be done?

The saki moves in between and deals the hand

she picks the play and victory, what can be done?

This round being finessed with diamonds and hearts

the wins are hers, but wounds are free, what can be done?

The ghazal is an eastern form. I have written about it before several times, here, there and everywhere.