POPPIES

Poppies without borders

Unending scarlet

As in Gaza

Where children play

With the blood of the dead

……….

GAZA

the bundled snowy clouds emerged again

like the frigid death of an exile in Gaza

the sacks are overflowing with bones

the snow is light death is heavy 

…….

A SEA THAT ROARS

a drop in the universe like the granules of 

orange sand in Gaza, the horror of the 

mighty pretending to be at peace

it roars for the forsaken children

who watch the lonely robin left nibbling

at the corpses of their parents and siblings

they rot away, while Trump and Netanyahu

shake hands on their plan to cover

the horror with a Mediterranean resort.

they falsely promise glorious days for the orphans

who will never give up the vision of their 

great-grandparents nakbatised by British Zionists

this heartless plan of the President 

will never appease these starving children, 

who will never give up hope

they know that from death new life is born

let the sea roar!

……..

JOHN P. PORTELLI

John P. Portelli is a Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto, originally from Malta, and author of 11 collections of poetry, two collections of short stories and a novel. His work in Maltese  has been translated into English, French, Italian, Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Greek, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian and Korean. While he migrated to Canada in 1977 and settled in Montreal, and later in Halifax and Toronto, now he lives between Toronto and Malta.

Until the Last Memory

I seek solitude, to think in the quiet night,
Perhaps the memories will rise again,
Unfinished stories, wounds that haven’t healed,
Lingering quietly within my heart and mind.

Each step I take leaves a trace behind,
Dreams once bright, now dimmed and lost,
In the breeze, your voice gently lingers,
Awakening promises left unfulfilled.

I wander, unsure of where I’m healed,
Searching through the shadow of the past,
Though far away, I still hear you near,
And every night, it’s you I remember.

The words you whispered once so softly,
Like raindrops falling, then fading away,
I cannot forget them, though I try,
For the memories still bring their pain.

I though time would help me move on,
But the heart holds what it cannot erase,
The echoes of laughter and sorrow,
Bound to my soul, though I walk away

A journey of healing, a long, winding road,
Where the wounds are slow to close,
I cannot escape the weight of it all,
As the past keeps its hold on me.

So, I remain here, caught in this space,
Where your name lingers like a shadow.
Until the day the memories fade,
Or until I am free to let them go.

But tonight, I stand still, quietly waiting,
For the time when the heart learns to heal,
Until then, I hold on to what remains,
And remember you in the silence of my soul.

John Angelo D. Camomot is a private school teacher in the Philippines. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Filipino. Currently, he is pursuing and studying a Master’s degree in Filipinology – Language, Culture, and Arts at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina.

Guardian

the sun sets early in september,

when you are praised for your age

and I’m reminded that

i will never have that man again.

Father,

where did i go wrong?

the half of you that is

the half of me

stings through

my achievements.

in eager need, 

eventually, you delivered,

seemingly making it

easier to be deceived.

i walk across miles of gravel singularly

sacrificing my souI

for your needs

only to be called selfish.

i refuse to see our similarities.

Father,

you will never amount to her.

yet there is still a place in my heart

to fit my love for you.

Through the Lanes

On the first lane I place my palms

downward face to the grass and relax to

reflect on neglect. 

On the second lane the true midnight blue 

of her silence weeps down towards the curfew

leaving me in wonder.

On the third lane I observe and admire the exposure of discovery;

discovery of my path of exposure I was told

I was not capable of living.

For once in my life I am enclosed by

decisions incapable of being expressed through nature.

To love is to hate and

To hate is to release and

To release is to fail and to fail

is to love once more.

Nature’s Blessings

The sun’s unparalleled beauty of illumination at day…

The moon’s complementary brightness at night…

The earth’s peculiarity of revolution…

The water’s outstanding universality…

The wind’s timeless motion…

The Fire’s power of flaming warmth…

The plant’s unique culture of adaptability…

The animal’s lifestyle of survivability…

The loving relationship among all planets…

The monitoring positions of the stars…

The accommodating stance of the skies…

The Reality of humanity’s consciousness…

sum up to Nature’s Blessings.

(G)

The Other side of Nature’s Consciousness

              (i)

As I gazed the length and breadth of nature’s creations,

i saw the upper and lower identities of its limitation.

I asked, “Are my eyes seeing the right vision?”

A voice whispered: “That’s your perception”

“Perception?!” became the wondering question

When I took a closer look at all of nature’s variations,

my consciousness took to the following observations:

The upper identities of nature’s limitations are positives

The lower identities of nature’s limitations are negatives

As I treaded the path of understanding in carefulness,

the same voice opened up: “ Welcome to the other side of nature’s consciousness”

                                                       (II)

“First”, the voice said to me, “I will explain the upper identities”

I excused my lame senses

to listen to the voice’s tenses

“The sun has all available energy varieties…

The earth and all her inhabitants use its power to build their edifice

The plants use the energy in their guises and give humanity a life-hold as a sacrifice. But…”

“But what?” I asked, wanting to know in eagerness.

It said: “Welcome to the other side of nature’s consciousness”

(iii)

“Now to the other part, these are what I have to say” the voice sounded

“The sun’s power had been so wrongly illuminated

that the earth’s inhabitants were destroyed

The knowledge about Nature had been negatively reversed

that the earth became hell-revisited

The plants consequently became poisoned

that man became what animals on-preyed

The LIVE of nature had been made to be dependent on EVIL committed.

that it would be impossible to tell you the uncomprehend!”

“What is it?” I hastily asked.

“The other side of Nature’s consciousness” the voice replied.

Meeting with History, Creativity, and Culture

Reading books or listening to lectures is not enough to feel history. One must see it, experience it, walk through ancient walls, and observe historical patterns. Today, we had such a unique opportunity. We visited Mirzo Hotel, one of the historic sites in Tashkent, for a practical lesson. This place was not just a modern hotel but a magnificent complex embodying history and culture.

As we stepped into Mirzo Hotel, we felt that it was not just an ordinary hotel but a place infused with a historical atmosphere. We were told about how the hotel was built and what historical patterns were used. Every decoration and pattern reflected Uzbek national traditions, incorporating the wood carving and brickwork artistry of ancient Bukhara and Samarkand.

This place showcases the finest styles of national architecture. The wall patterns and doors resembled the decorations of the Mir Arab Madrasah in Bukhara, the Registan Square in Samarkand, and the Kukeldash Madrasah in Tashkent. The architects combined old traditions with a new style, creating a unique atmosphere.

During the lesson, we also learned interesting facts about the name of Tashkent. Historically, it was called Chach or Shash in ancient sources. Some historians believe that “Chach” meant “city” in ancient Turkic languages, later transforming into “Shash.” Arab sources also referred to Tashkent as “Madina-ush-Shash,” meaning “City of Shash.” The name Tashkent, meaning “stone city,” originated from its historic stone fortresses.

Our visit also provided valuable insights into famous historical figures who lived in the area where Mirzo Hotel is located. Khoja Ahror Vali, Gafur Gulom, Oybek, and Nabi Ganiyev were among them, each leaving a lasting legacy in literature, art, and spirituality.

Khoja Ahror Vali was a great 15th-century Sufi and Islamic scholar who contributed significantly to the development of religious education in the Mawarannahr region.

Gafur Gulom was a prominent writer, best known for his novel “Shum Bola” (The Naughty Boy).
Oybek was a celebrated author whose historical and artistic works, particularly the novel “Navoiy,” remain invaluable in Uzbek literature.
Nabi Ganiyev was a renowned film director who played a key role in advancing Uzbekistan’s film industry.

The neighborhood surrounding Mirzo Hotel also holds great historical significance. It was once known as Gulbozor Mahalla, which Murodjon Mirzayev describes in detail in his book “Tashkent of the Past: Gulbozor Mahalla.” The book depicts life, traditions, architecture, and the daily lifestyle of people in old Tashkent neighborhoods.

The hotel’s management warmly welcomed us and even shared their creative works. Murodjon Mirzayev recited his poetry, enriching our experience. At the end of the practical lesson, we explored the hotel rooms, each with a unique design that harmonized traditional and modern aesthetics.

Finally, we took a group photo as a memorable conclusion to our visit. This was not just an ordinary lesson but a living encounter with history and culture. We once again realized the importance of preserving our ancestors’ rich heritage.

This visit was not just a practical exercise; it was a journey into the ancient spirit of Tashkent. Every stone, every pattern, and every story connected us to our past, reminding us that history is not just written—it is lived.

Nozima G‘ofurova, a 2nd-year student of the Travel Journalism program at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan.

IN THE ARM OF SOLITUDE

Mark of flea, I feel indeed

Comes with wings, closed my breath

Unknowing dreams, praying beats

Wry the words with yo from head.

Thaw the rhymes of thee and this

Echo of silent, in the waves of is

Sound travel heavy seas

Solitude cry, but I and thee.

Sky of mirrow, it’s flea

Feeling the bite and dull I please

Beyond the eye beside lips

Brock the stone eye sleep .

Anon, I see lass in deep

Flea bite me in heart, I think

Is between fire and water drips

Wrapped in the arm of solitude.

Woo through the ocean flane

I hush forest of voiceless trees

Life speaks in riddle tongue

I see ehor mood, shadow whispers

In the arm of solitude, mute hand

Life on breath, days shadowed

Dull alive and killed the bright

Solitude speaks to me with her voice.

          By HAUWA’U NASEER MUKHTAR

         KEEN PEN

        HAWK EYE POET.

BIOGRAPHY

Hauwa’u Nasir Mukhtar, known in literary circles as “Keen Poet” or “Hawkeye,” is a burgeoning poet and writer hailing from Gombe State, Nigeria. My work is characterized by a keen observation of the world around me, weaving intricate narratives that reflect both personal and communal experiences.

EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY

Born and raised in Gombe State, I am the cherished daughter of Nasir Mukhtar and Rahama Muhammad. My upbringing in a nurturing family environment laid the foundation for my artistic pursuits. I shares a close bond with my sisters: Ummusalma, affectionately known as “Dazzle Poet,” and Zainab, dubbed “The Legend.” Together, they form a trio of creative minds, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of Nigerian literature.

My foray into poetry began at a young age, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria and the vibrant literary community in Gombe. My pseudonyms, “Keen Poet” and “Hawkeye,” reflect my perceptive nature and my ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion and societal dynamics.

HOPE NEVER BURNS!

To that land of blue fairy where the moon smiles
I 'll go wearing my favourite suit in this green earth
Where the assembly of flowers smile sprightly
And the silver vine blooms with diamond buds 
Where in a forest a golden bird brings ecstasy
In a boat made of floating clouds drifting along the sky
Where hope never burns and the lotus never cries
Life on earth full of separation and union is never a dream
Built with truth and dreams, disillusioned by the dreams only
Fooled by the deceptive truth, crush me not like a flower.


MORE THAN EVER BEFORE!

The Goddess of purity you are to me
I do hatch pain and my pleasure as well
My sleep often breaks for the first time
And I see the morn by rubbing my eyes
The sun light becomes brighter with you 
My day rises from behind the thin clouds 
The moonlight soothes with all the grace
My vibrant mood is hiding nearby me 
If you met me, sadness would be mine
I would console you though I'm broken 
My stars break to start falling nonstop 
I want your novice heart more and more
It incubates in me more than ever before.

GRIEF FOR THE LIFE TIME!

Walking alone, I did come across you
It poured and you got lost somewhere 
As if a dream had passed away from me
And it's a bit hard to forget you now
Just in a moment you became my life
Then you gave grief for the life time
On the rainy night my heart was broken 
I remember your wet face looking great 
You have never gone through memories 
I feel like feeling you here this evening 
As you and the very weather used to be
My journey of love caught the evil eyes
Tongue is silent though my heart breaks
You look happy and you are not mine.


I REMAIN SILENT!

Even if I remain silent without any word
Your love, face, and gaze'll grow & glow
I am witness to your love, downcast eyes
And all your grace indicates the depth
Someone has stolen your heart & mind
Whenever the swirl of your hair falls
Even more beautiful you look, like a fairy
With cherubic smile I read in the books 
I cherish to stay forever only in your soul
In mind and bosom, arm and embrace
And in your eyes & memories unlimited.

Biography of the Author

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai
(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet, while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha. He is an accomplished source of inspiration for the young generation of India. His free verse on romantic and melancholic poems are appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small, typical village, Nandiagada of Ganjam District, the state of Odisha. After schooling, he studied intermediate and graduated from Kabisurjya Baladev Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, then M A in English from Berhampur University, PhD in language and literature, and D.Litt. from the Colombian Poetic House from South America. He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that need urgent attention. He is an award-winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writers worldwide. His free verse poems not only inspire young readers but also the readers of the current time. His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of whom are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems have been translated into different Indian languages and have received global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in the future. He is an award-winning poet and author of many best-selling books. Recently, he was awarded the Rabindranath Tagore and the Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips. A gold medal from the World Union of Poets, France & winner of Rahim Karim's World Literary Prize 2023. The government of Odisha's Higher Education Department appointed him as the president of the Governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar.Winner of " HYPERPOEM " GUNIESS WORLD RECORD 2023. Recently, he was awarded from the SABDA literary Festival in Assam. The highest literary honour from Peru, for contributing to world literature, 2024.Prestigious Cesar Vallejo award 2024 & Highest literary honour from Peru.Director at Samrat Educational Charitable Trust, Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.
Vicedomini of the world union of poets, Italy.
Completed 248 Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines, USA.
Books.
1. Psalm of the Soul.
2.Rise of New Dawn.
3.secret Of Torment.
4.Everything I never told you.
5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata.
6.100 Shadows of Dream.
7.Timeless Anguish.
8.Voice of Silence.
9.I cross my heart from east to west . Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines