Ghazal

It’s embarrassing. 

I see the word.

I know it’s about a poem.

I’m in a poetry class.

I have to say it now.

It’s my turn to talk about it now.

But I can’t get past the G, G, G,

can’t let go of the Gu, Gu, Gu

stuck in my english tunnel

brain can’t seem to make an H-turn

all I can see is that G

with that Z down the middle, 

followed shortly by an L

an A tucked in between

the H stuck in a pre cortex blind spot

my brain revs on a picture

a beautiful tawny creature

with gorgeous curved black antlers

and four legs that run faster faster faster

racing up to 80 miles per hour

not a couplet for miles

not a repeated sound

just their thunderous grace...

I say it quietly, gazelle

knowing it's coming out wrong. 

“G-h-uh-z-uh”my teacher corrects 

“Ghuh-zelle” I repeat back.

It's embarrassing

_________

NaPoWriMo Prompt: Write a poem that, like Bibbins’, uses alliteration and punning. See if you can’t work in references to at least one word you have trouble spelling, and one that you’ve never quite been able to perfectly remember the meaning of.