Thanks @calluna, I listened back to it a few times and was happy with the poem. And especially a form like the Ghazal, which in days past caused frustration for me in trying to write, while still feeling like I could breathe. Certain forms used to make me feel constrained where they offer opportunity now, and I'm pretty sure it is reflective of mental state compared to those two times in my life.

Ha ha, but I'm waxing philosophical now when I should be apologizing for not joining to cast a vote on the other entrants before the comp deadline. I was away from home until today with very limited access to internet. I shall surely write something again in the excellent 'Tell A Story To Me' contest.

P.s. thanks so much for choosing my poem for one of the winning places. But I am more happy that the piece & reading spoke to you so powerfully. It makes me hopeful that I will one day make a career out of my writing when I read responses like this from other writers I admire.

P.s.s. I would be interested to hear if the allusion to birth at the end of the poem was apparent? I was unsure if I had made the imagery too vague.