Smooth Talker
Whatever tales you chose to tell, after dark,
perhaps filled out your empty shell, after dark.
Those blusterings that in the day came to naught,
may all have served you very well, after dark.
But all those love lessons that your voice once taught
no longer ring out like a bell after dark
As in the web of years you’re firmly caught,
you may as well your passions quell after dark.
Since my affection’s not so easily bought,
your words instead become a knell after dark.
I apologize to this young man for always using his photo when I need an illustration of a very handsome man. In no way is he the real subject of the poem. The ghazal is a very complicated form that involves repetition of words as well as internal rhyme. I’ve added the end rhyme just for my own satisfaction. For an explanation of the form, see: dVerse Poets