We Have to Begin With Sadness
We have to begin with sadness
in the maqam
hijaz
always reserved for sad stories*
There’s plenty to be unhappy about
But
But what —
I grabbed on to a hook
Dropped mercifully from the
Sky
It settled just above my head
High enough that if I hadn’t looked
I could have missed it
I had the good sense [for once]
To grab hold of it
It was maqam hijaz
Sent to lift me up
And out
One eye laughing
One eye crying
jsg, usa
Acharei Mot; small alef poetry
Maqam Hijaz
Maqam Hijaz* D E-flat F# G