Qaraar
The old mariner
looks at the Pole Star.
There is an ache in his soul,
all is kasak
for what time forsook.
A light flutter
from the masthead pennant
whispers:
Qaraar.
Not far now.
Just follow the star.
—Lesley Scoble, October 2026
Audio — Qaraar
W3 PROMPT I wrote Qaraar in response to Destiny’s prompt as Poet of the Week for W3 Poetry Prompt #232, where poets were challenged to write a poem of 12 lines or fewer using selected Urdu poetic words. I chose Kasak and Qaraar, and thoroughly enjoyed discovering the richness of their meanings. I hope I have done them justice in my poem. To learn more about this fascinating prompt, please click below.
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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Enormous thanks to Destiny for her wonderful prompt and for introducing me to these beautiful Urdu poetic words.
My deepest thanks to David Bogomolny, our gracious host, for his constant warmth and encouragement.
And last, but by no means least, my thanks to you, the reader, for spending a little time with me.
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