wistful

showing pensive sadness

Longing; wishful; desirous.

from Old English wisan, to know, with a sense of longing

“Looking like some burnished eagle Hovering o'er a fluttered bird; Not unseen of silver Naiad, And of wistful Dryad heard!”

— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith

Cormac stood by the Emilio de la Reuben, his eyes fixed on the distant ships. With each wave that lapped at the shore, he felt a wistful tug, wishing he could sail away like those vessels, escaping to lands where tango wasn't the only rhythm in his heart.

Under the arches of Bogotá's Teusaquillo bridge, Mira traced the faded graffiti with her finger, a wistful smile curling at the corners as she remembered the careless summer afternoons spent there.

“The range of styles on Never for Ever is much more diverse, veering from the straightforward rocker "Violin" to the wistful waltz of hit single "Army Dreamers".”