Sitting, thinking, family, friends, kasak
Happy in peace, thoughtful in silence
Qaraar, ticking clock, soft dog snores
Sudden memories, ghuttan, sorrow
Loneliness, neediness, wanting
Tumultuous thoughts, hijacked
Looking for the light at the end
Of this never ending tunnel
©2026 CBialczak
Destiny’s prompt: Words that feel like an experience
Some words hold a whole experience within them. This week, use one or more of these Urdu words to tell a story through poetry:
- Kasak (کسک)
Pronunciation: “kuh-suk” · IPA: /kə.sək/
A lingering ache—something that stays with you long after a moment has passed. - Qaraar (قرار)
Pronunciation: “kuh-RAAR” · IPA: /qə.ɾɑːɾ/
A quiet sense of peace—something that steadies you and helps you feel settled. - Ghuttan (گھٹن)
Pronunciation: “ghoot-un” · IPA: /ɡʱʊ.ʈən/
An unspoken feeling of suffocation—as though something inside you has no room to breathe.
The English pronunciation guides are approximate: the “oo” in “ghoot” sounds like the “oo” in “foot,” and its “g” has a soft breath behind it. The “q” in Qaraar is like a “k” made farther back in the throat.
These simple meanings are starting points. If you’d like to explore further, search for the words alongside “Urdu poetic meanings.” Or let your own feelings and experiences guide you—no research needed!
Poetry form: Your choice, in 12 lines or fewer.
