Word Meaning
बालिश
baalish
hinoun
Meaning
A pillow, bolster, or cushion.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and Urdu poetry, 'baalish' refers to a pillow or cushion, frequently serving as an emblem of sleeplessness, solitude, and sorrow. In this couplet, Ghalib envisions his ceaseless weeping soaking the pillow, transforming its cotton filling ('pumba-e-baalish') into what resembles the frothy foam atop a torrent.
Etymology
Persian 'bālish' (بالش), meaning pillow or cushion.
Usage
Commonly invoked in the ghazal to portray solitary weeping and agonizing sleeplessness during the night of separation.
Examples
Tears soaked the pillow through the long night of separation.
Finding no rest, he turned his head upon the pillow.
Synonyms
तकियामसनदसिरहाना
Related Words
पुम्बाबिस्तरख़्वाबगाहशब-ए-हिज्र