Ghazal: A Poetic Legacy of Love, Pain, and Passion

A form of art exists so delicate, so drenched in emotion, that it speaks directly to the soul. The ghazal, with its rich literary roots and musical elegance, stands as one of the most powerful ways to express love, longing, pain, and beauty. It’s not merely a poem or a song—it’s a mirror to the inner world of emotions, capturing feelings too deep for ordinary expression.

In a time where love is often shouted through loud declarations and digital gestures, the ghazal whispers. It speaks in metaphors, pauses, and melodies. It intoxicates not with excess, but with restraint, offering just enough to leave the listener yearning for more.

Historical Evolution of Ghazal

The ghazal’s story is as poetic as the form itself. Its roots trace back to 7th-century Arabia, where poets first composed short love poems lamenting the pain of separation and the beauty of love. These early Arabic ghazals were often infused with Sufi thought, portraying divine love in metaphorical terms. As Islam spread eastward, the poetic form travelled with it, finding new life in Persia.

In the Persian courts, poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Omar Khayyam elevated the ghazal to new literary heights. Here, the ghazal blossomed into a refined poetic structure centered on themes of longing, not just for human affection, but also for union with the divine. From Persia, the ghazal made its way to the Indian subcontinent, where it was embraced and transformed by Urdu poets.

In Mughal India, ghazals thrived in royal courts and intimate gatherings known as mehfil. Poets such as Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Daagh Dehlvi crafted verses that balanced romantic yearning with philosophical depth. The ghazal became a mainstay of Indo-Islamic culture, surviving colonial influence, modernist critiques, and evolving tastes to remain an integral part of South Asian literary and musical identity.

The Essence of a Ghazal

The ghazal is a poetic form that originated in 7th-century Arabic verse and later flourished in Persian, Turkish, and Urdu literature. It follows a strict structure: a collection of sher (couplets), where each stands independently yet revolves around a central emotional theme. The first couplet sets the rhyme and refrain, which are then repeated in the second line of every subsequent couplet. This consistent refrain, often emotionally charged, becomes a kind of musical anchor.

But beyond the technicalities, the essence of a ghazal lies in its emotional complexity. Each sher is a universe in itself—complete, self-contained, yet capable of echoing across the entire poem. A ghazal rarely tells a linear story. Instead, it evokes a series of emotional snapshots, each reflecting the same underlying feeling: unfulfilled love, the torment of separation, or spiritual yearning.

It thrives in ambiguity, leaving space for the listener’s own experiences and interpretations. This openness is what makes the ghazal universally relatable—whether you are a lover, a seeker, or someone in silent grief, a ghazal finds you and speaks in your language.

Love, Loss & Longing

Ghazals dwell in the emotional in-between. They are neither declarations of love nor mourning songs in the traditional sense, but something more subtle—expressions of love's fragility, the ache of separation, and the bittersweet beauty of desire.

One of the most recurring themes is ishq-e-majazi (earthly love), often depicted as intense, unreciprocated, or tragically interrupted. Yet many ghazals also allude to ishq-e-haqiqi (divine love), where the longing is not for a human beloved but for the eternal, the infinite, or the divine presence.

A classic example is found in the poetry of Mirza Ghalib, perhaps the most celebrated ghazal writer in Urdu literature:

“Hazāroñ ḳhvāhisheñ aisī ki har ḳhvāhish pe dam nikle,
Bahut nikle mire armān lekin phir bhī kam nikle.”

Translated:
"Thousands of desires, each worth dying for—
Many of them I have realized, yet still too few they seem."

Ghalib does not merely express longing here—he reveals the insatiable nature of the heart. No matter how many desires are fulfilled, the soul still craves more. This sense of eternal wanting, of never quite arriving, is at the core of ghazal’s intoxicating power. It’s not just about loss—it’s about the depth of feeling that loss brings.

Common Terms in Ghazals

To fully appreciate a ghazal, it helps to understand its recurring symbols and metaphors. Here are a few commonly used terms:

• Shama (Lamp) – Often symbolizes the beloved, whose beauty attracts but also consumes.
   
• Parwana (Moth) – The lover, drawn to the shama even at the cost of destruction.
   
• Hijr (Separation) – The pain of being apart from the beloved.
   
• Wasl (Union) – The bliss of reunion, rare and often fleeting in ghazals.
   
• Mehfil (Gathering) – A poetic or musical assembly, often the setting for ghazal recitation.
   
• Ashiq (Lover) – A recurring character in ghazals, forever devoted and often doomed.
   

Understanding these terms enriches the listening experience, revealing the deeper textures of each couplet.

The Music of Melancholy

Though originally a poetic form, the ghazal found its truest resonance when set to music. The transition from page to performance gave the ghazal a new kind of emotional life. When sung, the ghazal becomes immersive. The melody elongates the words, the pauses invite reflection, and the singer becomes both narrator and character in an emotional drama.

Artists like Begum Akhtar, Mehdi Hassan, Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, and Farida Khanum brought the ghazal into public consciousness with voices that could convey agony and ecstasy in a single breath. Their renditions are not just performances—they are emotional experiences. A slight tremor in the voice, a subtle variation in tempo, or a pause before a refrain—all these nuances heighten the ghazal’s emotional impact.

Instrumentation plays a crucial role, too. The harmonium sustains the melody, the tabla provides heartbeat-like rhythm, while the sarangi or sitar adds layers of texture and depth. These elements combine to create a meditative, melancholic soundscape that immerses the audience in the feeling being conveyed fully.

The pace of a ghazal is deliberately slow. Unlike pop songs or even classical ragas, the ghazal is patient. It lets the emotion breathe. It demands the listener's attention, not just to the lyrics but to what lies between them—the silence, the sighs, the space where the pain resides.

Famous Ghazal Poets & Their Styles

Each ghazal poet brings a unique voice, reflecting the era they lived in and the emotional palette they explored. Mirza Ghalib, perhaps the most celebrated Urdu poet, is known for his layered and philosophical style. His verses often probe the fragility of human desire and the contradictions of existence. A single couplet from Ghalib can carry volumes of meaning, open to multiple interpretations.

Mir Taqi Mir, on the other hand, is the master of emotional intensity. Often described as the “God of Poetry,” his ghazals are steeped in pathos and raw romantic vulnerability. He portrayed love not as a fleeting emotion but as a soulful experience that defines existence.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz brought a modern sensibility to the ghazal. A revolutionary and humanist, Faiz merged personal love with social struggle. His ghazals often express longing not just for a beloved, but for a just and beautiful world.

Parveen Shakir offered a fresh, feminine voice in a genre traditionally dominated by men. Her ghazals are known for their gentle grace, romantic imagery, and a strong sense of self. Through metaphors both contemporary and classical, she carved a niche that many modern poets still draw inspiration from.

Famous Ghazal Singers

The ghazal found its voice not only in poetry but in music. When rendered musically, a ghazal becomes a hypnotic journey of melody and mood. Few singers have defined this space as powerfully as Mehdi Hassan. Known as the "King of Ghazal," his renditions like "Ranjish Hi Sahi" and "Gulon Mein Rang Bhare" are masterclasses in vocal emotion and poetic depth.

Mehdi Hassan – The Shahenshah-e-Ghazal (King of Ghazals)

No conversation about ghazals can begin without Mehdi Hassan, the Pakistani legend who gave voice to poetry in a way that hadn’t been heard before. Born in 1927 in Luna, Rajasthan, Mehdi Hassan belonged to a family of traditional dhrupad singers. After migrating to Pakistan during the Partition, he struggled with poverty but eventually found work as a playback singer for Radio Pakistan.

Hassan’s deep knowledge of classical music gave his ghazals an unmatched gravitas. With hits like “Ranjish Hi Sahi”, “Ab Ke Hum Bichhde”, and “Gulon Mein Rang Bhare”, he revolutionized the art of singing ghazals. His mastery over raagas, combined with soul-stirring emotion, made every line he sang feel like a personal confession.

"Patta patta boota boota haal hamaara jaane hai."
(Every leaf and every plant knows my condition.)

His rendition of this Faiz Ahmed Faiz couplet still resonates deeply with listeners today.

Jagjit Singh – The Modern Face of the Ghazal

Jagjit Singh is widely credited with democratizing the ghazal in India. Born in 1941 in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Jagjit trained in classical music but chose to take the ghazal into mainstream culture by incorporating modern instruments like the guitar and synthesizer into his compositions.

In the 1970s and '80s, along with his wife Chitra Singh, he released groundbreaking albums like “The Unforgettable” and “Echoes”. His songs like “Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum”, “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho”, and “Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar” made ghazals accessible to younger generations.

Tragically, after the death of their son Vivek in 1990, Chitra withdrew from singing, and Jagjit continued solo. He used his music to process grief, turning his pain into powerful performances that resonated with millions.

His voice became the bridge between classical Urdu poetry and modern Indian audiences.

Ghulam Ali – A Fusion of Traditions

Ghulam Ali, born in 1940 in Pakistan, was a disciple of Mehdi Hassan and part of the Patiala Gharana. He brought a distinctive fusion of classical raag with poetic cadence in his ghazals. His vocal range and command over intricate compositions made him a unique voice in the genre.

Some of his most beloved ghazals include “Chupke Chupke Raat Din”, “Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa”, and “Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi”. What set Ghulam Ali apart was his ability to use intricate taans and murkis (ornamentations) while preserving the emotional gravity of the lyrics.

He has performed extensively across India and Pakistan, playing a vital role in promoting cross-cultural musical dialogue.

Begum Akhtar – The Queen of Thumri and Ghazal

Begum Akhtar, born Akhtari Bai Faizabadi in 1914, was a pioneer in female ghazal singing. Known as Mallika-e-Ghazal, she brought unparalleled emotion and classical depth to her performances. She was equally proficient in thumri, dadra, and khayal styles.

Her renditions of “Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya” and “Deewana Banaana Hai Toh Deewana Bana De” are still considered benchmarks of artistic expression. She infused every note with pain, longing, and sincerity, often bringing listeners to tears with her emotive singing.

Begum Akhtar also helped break gender barriers, entering what was previously a male-dominated domain and making space for countless women artists in classical and semi-classical music.

Talat Mahmood – The Velvet Voice of Romance

While more famous for his film songs, Talat Mahmood also made significant contributions to the ghazal form. Born in 1924, his soft, trembling voice lent a unique romanticism to every ghazal he sang. His hits like “Sham-e-Gham Ki Kasam”, “Jalte Hain Jiske Liye”, and “Ae Dil Mujhe Aisi Jagah Le Chal” captured the essence of tender longing.

Talat’s singing reflected the quieter shades of emotion—melancholy, nostalgia, and silent yearning. He sang not just with his voice but with his heart.

Pankaj Udhas – The Voice of Soft Sentiments

In the 1980s and '90s, Pankaj Udhas helped bring ghazals back to popularity through albums like “Aahat”, “Mukarar”, and “Mehfil”. His light classical approach, coupled with easily accessible Urdu and Hindi lyrics, made him a household name.

Songs like “Chitthi Aayi Hai” and “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein” made waves not just for their melody but also for their lyrical poignancy. Pankaj Udhas bridged the gap between the hardcore classical ghazal and commercial music, keeping the tradition alive for newer generations.

Chitra Singh – The Silent Half of a Musical Legend

Chitra Singh’s delicate voice perfectly complemented Jagjit Singh’s deep baritone. Her rendition of ghazals in the early albums of their career contributed immensely to their joint success. Songs like “Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar” and “Baat Niklegi Toh Phir” remain iconic.

After the death of her son, she left music completely, but her brief discography remains a testament to the emotional power she brought to every song.

Talented Contemporaries and New Voices

As the golden voices of yesteryears fade into treasured memory, a new generation of artists has risen to uphold the ghazal’s timeless charm while infusing it with modern aesthetics. These contemporary voices, though rooted in tradition, are not afraid to experiment, blending classical poetry with global sounds, modern instruments, and fresh interpretation. Their work ensures that the ghazal remains not just a relic of the past but a living, evolving expression of love, loss, and longing.

Runa Laila – Bridging Borders with Melody

Runa Laila, one of South Asia’s most celebrated vocalists, brought a rich emotional depth to her ghazal renditions. Born in Sylhet (now in Bangladesh), she began her career in Pakistan and became a household name across the Indian subcontinent.

Though internationally known for hits like “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar”, her ghazals were no less impactful. Her fluid voice, nuanced pronunciation of Urdu, and ability to emote through subtle inflections made her ghazal performances unforgettable. She often chose ghazals with romantic or philosophical undertones, making them accessible yet profound. Runa Laila’s cross-border popularity also helped introduce Bangladeshi musical sensibilities into the ghazal scene, broadening its cultural palette.

Kiran Ahluwalia – A Global Voice with Classical Roots

Toronto-based Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia represents a modern, global approach to the ghazal. Trained in Indian classical music, she weaves Urdu poetry into contemporary soundscapes featuring jazz, blues, and West African rhythms. Her unique style introduces ghazal to world music listeners while retaining the soul of the genre.

Albums like “Aam Zameen: Common Ground” and “Sanata: Stillness” showcase her flair for reimagining ghazals in a cosmopolitan context. Kiran proves that ghazal isn’t confined by geography or tradition—it can travel, transform, and thrive.

Hariharan – The Versatile Maestro of Melody

A name synonymous with musical versatility, Hariharan is among the most prominent ghazal artists of modern times. Trained in both Carnatic and Hindustani music, he rose to prominence in the 1980s and '90s with albums like “Gulfam”, “Reflections”, and “Kaash”. Hariharan’s distinctive voice—smooth, expressive, and technically impeccable—allowed him to explore intricate ghazals while keeping them emotionally resonant.

His ghazals like “Jhazbaat” and “Halka Halka Suroor Hai” became radio staples and introduced a new generation to the poetic beauty of Urdu. Hariharan also collaborated with contemporary musicians and even ventured into fusion with his band Colonial Cousins. Yet, ghazal always remained central to his musical identity, and he continues to perform it with the same devotion and elegance.

Rekha Bhardwaj – Earthy, Intimate, and Emotionally Raw

Rekha Bhardwaj’s husky, textured voice brings a uniquely earthy feel to ghazals. With a deep grounding in Indian classical music and a deep love for Urdu poetry, she has carved a niche for herself in both film music and the ghazal tradition. Unlike traditionalists, Rekha’s approach is more introspective and minimalistic, often using sparse arrangements to let the words and emotions take center stage.

Her renditions of ghazals in albums and live concerts, like “Kabira”, “Ishqa Ishqa”, and her performances on Coke Studio, reflect an organic connection with the genre. Her voice doesn't just sing the poetry—it breathes it. Rekha represents a new school of ghazal singing, one that prioritizes raw emotion over vocal gymnastics.

Abida Parveen – The Spiritual Stream That Touches the Ghazal

Though she is renowned globally for her soul-stirring renditions of Sufi kalam, Abida Parveen frequently blurs the line between ghazal and devotional poetry. Her emotional delivery, haunting voice, and spiritual depth make her ghazals transcend the boundaries of genre. When she sings a ghazal, it often takes on a spiritual dimension, making the listener feel as if divine love and human love are the same.

Her renditions of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry—like “Raat Yun Dil Mein Teri”—show how the ghazal, in her hands, becomes a medium of divine communication. With each note, she pulls the listener deeper into the metaphysical landscape that ghazals often describe.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – Carrying Forward the Legacy

A scion of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan family, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is best known for his Qawwalis and Bollywood playback hits. However, his contributions to the ghazal genre are notable. Rahat brings the emotional richness and vocal dexterity of the Qawwali tradition to the ghazal form.

Tracks like “Zaroori Tha”, though commercial, are rooted in ghazal-style lyrical exploration of heartbreak and longing. He has also performed classical ghazals in concerts and TV shows, often reintroducing timeless verses to a younger generation through his dynamic voice and wide reach.

Shafqat Amanat Ali – The Rock-Star of Ghazal Fusion

Formerly the lead vocalist of the Pakistani band Fuzön, Shafqat Amanat Ali brings a refreshing fusion of classical vocals, Sufi themes, and contemporary orchestration. Descended from the Patiala Gharana, he has strong classical roots, which allow him to treat ghazals with the respect they deserve, even when layering them with modern arrangements.

His renditions of “Mitwa” and “Aankhon Ke Saagar” are reminiscent of ghazal-style storytelling—full of nuanced emotion, slow builds, and cathartic release. Shafqat has helped repackage the ghazal for younger, more cosmopolitan audiences without diluting its poetic depth.

Modern Interpretations of Ghazal

As with all timeless art forms, ghazals have continually evolved to adapt to contemporary tastes. Today, younger artists are experimenting with genre-fusion—blending traditional ghazal structures with jazz, lounge, or even electronic elements. This reinterpretation doesn’t dilute the ghazal’s essence but offers a new lens through which younger generations can engage with it.

Singers like Papon and Rekha Bhardwaj have reintroduced ghazals to indie music listeners. Rekha’s smoky, textured voice brings a haunting dimension to poetic works, while Papon mixes Assamese folk and ghazal sensibilities, creating an ambient yet rooted experience.

Meanwhile, digital platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and JioSaavn are making ghazals more accessible than ever. Listeners no longer need to attend live mehfils or scour cassette stores—iconic recordings and new releases are now just a click away.

A Universal Connection

Despite its roots in Arabic and Persian traditions and its flourishing in South Asian cultures, the ghazal resonates globally. This universality stems from the emotions it captures—emotions that transcend language, geography, and time.

You don’t have to understand Urdu, Persian, or Hindi to feel the weight of a ghazal. Its mood, its pauses, its cadence—these are universally human. You can hear heartbreak in a well-sung ghazal even if you don’t understand the words. That’s the magic of this art form. It communicates emotion first, language second.

Contemporary artists continue to experiment with ghazals, fusing them with jazz, rock, electronic, and even Western classical music. While some purists resist this modernization, others see it as an evolution—proof that the ghazal continues to thrive and adapt. Whether in its purest classical form or a modern remix, the emotional essence remains unchanged.

Role of Ghazals in Cinema

Cinema played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of ghazals. During the 1970s and 1980s, filmmakers turned to ghazals to heighten emotional depth in storytelling. Films like Umrao Jaan, Bazaar, and Saath Saath used ghazals not merely as background music but as integral storytelling tools.

In Umrao Jaan, ghazals like "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" and "In Aankhon Ki Masti" conveyed the protagonist’s inner turmoil more powerfully than dialogue ever could. Asha Bhosale’s emotive voice and Khayaam’s minimalistic compositions ensured that the music stayed etched in public memory.

In Bazaar, the poignant "Phir Chhidi Raat" portrayed the sorrow of separation and the passing of time with heartbreaking precision. These cinematic ghazals brought the genre to new audiences, blending it seamlessly with visual narrative and character development.

Ghazal as Therapy: Emotional and Psychological Value

There is a reason why listeners often turn to ghazals in moments of solitude, heartbreak, or reflection. The form offers a unique emotional release—a space where vulnerability isn’t masked, but embraced. The recurring themes of longing, unfulfilled desire, and spiritual seeking provide a language for feelings many find hard to articulate.

Listening to ghazals can be therapeutic. The measured pace of singing, the melodic ragas, and the philosophical undertones create a meditative atmosphere. It’s not uncommon for listeners to report feeling lighter, calmer, or more connected to themselves after a ghazal session.

Some therapists even use music-based healing and incorporate ghazals for clients from South Asian backgrounds, allowing them to reconnect with their roots and process emotions culturally.

The Future of Ghazals: Reviving Tradition in a Digital Age

Though many mourn the passing of the golden era of ghazals—an era defined by mehfils, All India Radio broadcasts, and vinyl records—the genre is far from fading into obscurity. Rather, it is quietly evolving, adapting to the changing tides of time and technology. The ghazal, with its timeless themes of love, longing, and existential reflection, continues to strike a chord across generations, even in this fast-paced digital age.

Digital Revival and Streaming Platforms

The internet has proven to be a surprising ally in the preservation of this art form. Streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music have created space for both classical and modern ghazals. Listeners can now discover the haunting voice of Mehdi Hassan, the soulful depth of Jagjit Singh, or the contemporary flair of Hariharan with just a click.

Younger audiences, who may never have heard a ghazal on the radio, are discovering its emotional depth through playlists, suggested algorithms, and curated tributes. Music videos, lyric videos, and digital remasters of vintage performances are keeping the legacy alive, often going viral among audiences seeking more meaningful musical experiences beyond commercial pop.

Karaoke, Covers, and Interactive Engagement

One of the most heartening trends is the rise of ghazal karaoke and cover renditions. These platforms allow fans to engage with the genre not just passively but actively. Aspiring singers across the world now perform Jagjit Singh's “Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum” or Ghulam Ali's “Chupke Chupke Raat Din” in their voices and share them across social media. This participatory culture is breathing new life into the genre, helping it transition from being a ‘listening tradition’ to a ‘living tradition’.

Music learning apps, digital harmonium and tanpura tools, and even AI voice assistants have made it easier for beginners to study and perform ghazals. These tools make the genre more accessible to those who may not have formal classical training but are drawn to its depth.

Fusion Experiments and Genre Crossovers

Modern musicians are also experimenting with ghazals by blending them with jazz, blues, Sufi, and even electronic beats. While some purists raise eyebrows at these hybrids, there’s no denying that they help widen the genre’s appeal. Artists like Kiran Ahluwalia, Papon, and Shafqat Amanat Ali have shown that it’s possible to respect the soul of a ghazal while presenting it in a modern sonic palette.

Film music, too, occasionally taps into the ghazal structure and mood, introducing these poetic forms to wider mainstream audiences—even if subtly. Songs like “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” recreated in Bollywood or Coke Studio performances that reinterpret classic verses have helped renew interest among millennials and Gen Z listeners.

Tributes, Festivals, and Ghazal Concerts

While the mehfil may have moved from candle-lit halls to large auditoriums and YouTube Live concerts, the reverence remains. Tributes dedicated to Jagjit Singh, Begum Akhtar, or Mehdi Hassan are organized worldwide, keeping their legacies alive. Music festivals often include ghazal evenings, offering both nostalgia and new interpretations. These events serve not just as performances, but as educational experiences, helping contextualize the poetry and its historical richness for younger generations.

Rediscovering the Poetry

What sets ghazal apart from other musical forms is the central role of poetry. And thankfully, interest in Urdu and Persian poetry is also experiencing a renaissance. Social media pages and literary podcasts now post translations and meanings of couplets by Ghalib, Mir, Faiz, and Ahmad Faraz, making them accessible to non-native speakers.

Workshops on Urdu poetry, spoken-word poetry inspired by ghazal traditions, and educational channels are helping people fall in love with the structure and philosophy behind the form. The poetic rhythm of the matla, the twist of the maqta, the pain in the radif—these are being explored anew with fresh eyes.

A Living, Breathing Art Form

The future of ghazals doesn’t lie in mimicking the past—it lies in embracing change while staying rooted in emotion. It lies in allowing new voices, new instruments, and new languages to enter the fold. Ghazal is not static; it is fluid, much like the emotions it portrays. As long as humans continue to feel heartbreak, nostalgia, love, and longing, the ghazal will remain relevant.

From vinyl to Spotify, from mehfils to Instagram reels, the ghazal continues its journey—a little altered, perhaps, but never diminished. It is not a forgotten echo of the past, but a soft, persistent whisper that continues to find its way into hearts, one verse at a time.

Conclusion: A Glass of Emotions

To experience a ghazal is to sip from a cup of emotion—sweet, bitter, intoxicating. It is not a performance to be consumed passively; it is a feeling to be lived. Every word is a drop of longing. Every note is a whisper of loss. And every silence between verses is filled with unshed tears.

In a world that often encourages emotional armor and quick fixes for pain, the ghazal dares to dwell in vulnerability. It invites you to pause, to feel, and to remember that there is beauty in brokenness. It’s not just about love or heartbreak—it’s about the courage to confront those feelings and turn them into something eternal.

So, the next time you hear a ghazal, don’t just listen. Let it wash over you. Let it take you to that quiet place where longing lives. Let it remind you that even in sadness, there is poetry. And in poetry, there is always love.