شوق (Longing) is an emotional state characterized by a deep desire or yearning for something or someone that is absent. It often involves feelings of nostalgia and a sense of incompleteness. This emotion can arise from various situations, such as missing a loved one, longing for a past experience, or desiring a future goal. In literature and art, شوق is frequently explored as a theme, reflecting the human experience of desire and the pursuit of fulfillment. It can inspire creativity and expression, leading to works that resonate with the universal quest for connection and belonging, often represented through symbols like flowers, seas, or stars.