Begin with Sadness; small alef

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