Keening

The keening stench of decay emanated from the garbage dumpster, making it difficult to pass by.

The keening whistle of the tea kettle signaled that the water had boiled.

The keening whistle of the teapot signaled that the water was boiling.

The abandoned house stood in the distance, its broken windows and overgrown garden giving it a keening presence.

The traditional keening brought tears to the eyes of all those who listened, capturing the pain of loss in its rawest form.