Ghazal is a free verse poem set in 1972 in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The poem’s protagonist is the speaker who talks about the oppressive nature of the patriarchal society, which is the antagonist in the novel. The speaker is aggrieved by the way men treat women in society, especially the Black women whose history is intentionally erased by men who want to dominate everything that exists.
One of the primary themes Smith focuses on is silencing of the Black women. The theme is discussed using symbols and metaphors. Smith designs her figurative language to enlighten readers on how the history of Black women is put under the dry white sky. History makers, the men Smith calls "mountains of men," intentionally decided to take credit for the Black women writers. As if that is not enough, the Black women were sunk into the “Oceans of Bone," referring to lost history. According to Smith, Black women were used, and their toil was taken away. In addition, Smith says, “The Sky is a dry pitiless white” to symbolize the glorification of men above women. All the recorded history is composed of white men authors who are considered to be at the top of the industry.
Some of the greatest achievements of Black women are not recorded in history. A good example the poet illustrates is in the film Hidden Figures, which shows how Black women played a critical role in NASA in the Space Race in 1961. The film only came to show the role of those women in 2016 when it was first aired to the public. Therefore, the speaker is disturbed that women's history is intentionally struck off historical books to make them look inferior to men. However, despite all this discouragement, Smith believes that all people who work hard will be recognized someday.
Smith wants to encourage her readers to keep pushing despite difficult times, especially when lonely. Sometimes being lonely is an opportunity for personal reflection. It is indeed an opportunity for the person to look at what led to the problems and find a way to move forward. However, Smith again distances herself when she says a person can choose the best way to move forward. More importantly, Smith stresses the significance of listening to your voice before making a major decision.
