Back When

Back when

no fear of dying

in our teenage escapades

reading your thoughts

I loved you

innocence soft

before Viet Nam

twisted my existence

so many friends

tear collections

head drooping

into yesterday smiles

writing poems

tattoos of today

touch of you

still stroking my heart.

A Lonely Place

In the middle of night

walls trying to contain my thoughts

thinking of you

out there years ago

we were single and together

pleasure moments

lasting

dreams

never believing

someday we’d wake-up apart.

Charles Chaplin in Reign of Laughter at the Top

Everyone wants to laugh, spend life laughing, 

He used to laugh to make people happy 

Charlie Chaplin’s Reign in the Kingdom of Laughter, 

The magic of laughter is age-old. 

Making laughter a universal cinema industry, 

Such a communication required no words, 

A character that is a unique character, 

At whose name the heart smiles, full of joy, 

Which is the main character in social discussion. 

People pleasing is a human figure, 

In times of industrial change, change deepens inequality. 

Reality can be revealed through laughter. 

In the mechanized world of the individual, 

Fragility is tenderly depicted. 

The craft was in performing humor, 

Invisible becomes visible, loneliness is removed, 

Poverty is the redemption of poverty, the mind is the meaning of happiness. 

A drama given with entertainment, 

Explanations and questions in depth of that play, 

Where historical context is relevant. 

The smile on the face is Charlie Chaplin, 

The medicine of laughter remains, and the happiness fades away. 

Charlie Chaplin will be respected and loved. 

Amb. Dr. Priyanka Neogi is from Coochbehar. She is an administrative controller of United Nations’ PAF, a librarian, a CEO of Lio Messi International Property & Land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international co-ordinator of the Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.

Blue as Being Beyond Reach 

How delicate you look as you step on the pulse of my heart, 

How sweetly woven of the loveliest silk, 

Your eyes as blue as heaven reflected in a deep sea, 

With waves forever folding over one another — 

Let them drown me in their profound looks, 

While I am taken away without the faintest resistance. 

But alas, being too old for such young beauty, 

I shall retreat into my silent grief, 

Away from the music of your departing steps.

Pale with Clamping Hands 

I see the pallor that you wear 

like winter’s light late in the morning 

A fracture hidden under calm, 

a wound you’ve learned to fold and hide. 

I will not blame you. No. 

You carry what would break a lesser soul, 

but softness is your brightest wear— 

that gentle thing that keeps you there—

betrays you to my watching eyes, 

spills through the quiet you maintain. 

Your tenderness, try as you might, 

refuses to pretend no pain. 

So what is there to do 

but witness, from this careful space, 

the strength that holds itself together — 

and love the light still in your face.

Hussein Nasser Jabr (Born 1964) holds a PhD in English Philology from the University of Craiova, Romania. He currently works as a faculty member at the College of Education, Imam Ja’afar Al Sadiq University in Iraq. An Iraqi poet and literary translator, he has translated numerous works between English and Arabic, including philosophy books, a study on sectarianism in Iraq, art monographs, and poetry collections by Faleeha Hassan and some other poets. His translations have appeared in Gilgamesh and Iraq Literary Review. He has published original Arabic poetry, critical studies, and articles on translation. A member of the Union of Writers in Iraq since 2002, he has participated in international conferences and poetry festivals.

When life tasted like love 

When life tasted like love 

and you didn’t realize it… 

When great loves 

appeared in your life 

and left 

as fleetingly as they came… 

You realized it was love 

because of the taste they left, 

because of the lessons… 

Because of the longing, not the sadness… 

I’ve experienced two loves, 

different and intense 

that lasted less than a sigh…

Mirta Liliana Ramírez has been a poet and writer since she was 12 years old. She has been a Cultural Manager for more than 35 years. Creator and Director of the Groups of Writers and Artists: Together for the Letters, Artescritores, MultiArt, JPL world youth, Together for the letters Uzbekistan 1 and 2. She firmly defends that culture is the key to unite all the countries of the world. She works only with his own, free and integrating projects at a world cultural level. She has created the Cultural Movement with Rastrillaje Cultural and Forming the New Cultural Belts at the local level and also from Argentina to the world.

Falling in Love 

You arrive like the rain that doesn’t announce itself, 

that doesn’t ask permission to touch the earth, 

and transforms the dust into something that shines, 

making the ordinary sacred. 

You are the map that isn’t written, 

the course not drawn with lines, 

a heartbeat that deviates from its routine 

to find its home in another rhythm. 

Your gaze is a mirror that doesn’t reflect what you see, 

but what you are: a place where I recognize myself, 

where my scattered fragments find their form, 

where loneliness ceases to be a habit. 

It’s as if time sheds its hours, 

as if space shrinks to fit in the palm of a hand, 

everything that existed before becomes a distant shadow, 

and what is to come is only the moment we are in. 

It’s not a choice, 

nor a pre-arranged plan, 

it’s the flower that blooms unbidden, 

that opens its petals to the light without question,

knowing that its reason for being is to live.

GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution’s Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet in the Educational and Social Relations Division of the UNACCC South America – Argentina Chapter.

Because I have Engraved You

Because I have engraved you
Within the deepest chamber of my heart,
I keep walking this long and winding road—
From morning until evening,
From evening into the depths of night,
And then to morning once more.
Yet my journey never seems to end.

Because I have rooted you
Into the innermost depths of my soul,
Each afternoon you arrive with a flower in your hand.
Upon the sun leaning over the bridge,
Gentle waves of light flow through my heart
Like the murmuring currents of the river.

.

As the sun descends beyond the horizon,
My hand resting in yours,
Like birds returning home at dusk,
My spirit stirs within its nest,
Bright with laughter and life.

Because I have found you
Within this chamber of my heart,
Perhaps the stars of the sky illuminate
My once-dark shelter.

A deer’s playful restlessness,
A world filled with simple grace,
A lamp of love glowing within the eyes—
As though it longs to tell
A secret beyond words.

Within the flowers, within the birds,
Deep in the heart’s silent depths,
Light blossoms in stillness.
The echoes of laughter and tears
Rise and mingle endlessly
With the stars across the heavens.

It is because I have found you
That our world is filled with joy, wonder, and enchantment.
Every narrow path, every alley, every hidden lane
Spreads its wings across the boundless sky.

And so we continue to drift,
And so we continue to soar,
While our light of hope

Lives on—
Eternal and bright. 

Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

08 May 2026.

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Once when he was in grade ten in 1990, his Bangla letter was selected as the best one from Deutsche Welle, Germany Radio that broadcast Bangla news for the Banglalee people. And he was given 50 Dutch Mark as his award. They would ask letters from the listeners to the news in Bangla and select one letter for the best one in every month.     

From 17 to 30 September, in 2018 he received a higher training in teaching English language in Kasetsart University of Thailand for secondary level students through a government order from education ministry. 

On 06 November 2015 he achieved Amjad Ali Mondal Medal for his contribution in education field by a development organization in the conference and felicitation function for the honorable personalities at Rajshahi College Auditorium. 

On 30 December 2017 from West Bengal in India he was declared a ‘Literary Charioteer’ in Bangobandhu Literary and World Bango Conference and they awarded him with a Gold Medal in their International Literary Conference and Prize Giving Ceremony.

In 2018, he achieved Prodipto Lirerary Award in Prodipto Literary Conference at Kesorhat, Rajshahi for poems in Bangla literature. He received honorary crest from the administration of Chapainawabganj District Literary Conference and Cultural Function in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. 

His poems have been published in many international online magazines such as Juntos Por las L Raven Cage Zine, and Area Felix.  His poems have been translated and published in Argentine and Serbian, and he participated in many international online cultural meetings. 

THE EXPRESSION OF FOLK PROVERBS IN THE TEXT OF THE NOVEL “O‘TKAN KUNLAR”

Abstract: This article analyzes the artistic and linguistic features of folk proverbs used in Abdulla Qodiriy’s novel O‘tkan Kunlar (Bygone Days). The study examines the role of proverbs in enriching the system of characters, their function in the speech of the protagonists, and their significance in reflecting the national mentality. The research also explores the ways in which proverbs are integrated into the text structure, their contextual meanings, and their stylistic functions.

Keywords: Folk proverbs, O‘tkan Kunlar, Abdulla Qodiriy, literary text, linguostylistics, paremia, speech culture, imagery.

Abdulla Qodiriy’s novel O‘tkan Kunlar occupies a special place in Uzbek literature. The work is distinguished not only by its high artistic value but also by its unique language and style. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the masterful use of folk proverbs, which represent some of the finest examples of oral folk creativity.

Folk proverbs are forms of wisdom passed down from generation to generation, embodying the life experiences and intellectual heritage of the people. They are concise yet profound expressions that reflect the worldview and cultural values of a nation. Qodiriy employs this rich heritage skillfully; he does not insert proverbs mechanically into the text but integrates them harmoniously with the psychology of the characters, the development of the plot, and the ideological message of the novel.

Although O‘tkan Kunlar has been extensively studied, the linguistic and stylistic analysis of its proverbs has not yet become a fully explored field of research. Therefore, this topic remains highly relevant. The present article aims to identify the proverbs found in the novel, classify them into thematic groups, determine their contextual functions, and demonstrate their value within the literary text.

When discussing the integration of proverbs into literary texts, it should be noted that the use of folk proverbs in literature has a long tradition. However, each writer continues this tradition in a unique way. Qodiriy employs three main methods of incorporating proverbs into his novel.

The first method is the use of a proverb in its complete and unchanged form. In such cases, the proverb appears directly in the speech of a character or in the author’s narration, allowing the reader to recognize it immediately. For example, the proverb “The dog barks, but the caravan moves on” is used in this manner.

The second method involves adapting a proverb to fit the context. In such instances, the core meaning of the proverb remains intact, while the word order or certain lexical elements are modified. This technique allows the proverb to blend more naturally into the text.

The third method is the indirect expression of a proverb’s meaning. Here, the proverb itself is not explicitly stated; instead, its essence is conveyed through the actions of the characters or the reflections of the narrator. This is the most complex method and requires a higher level of literary competence from the reader.

Qodiriy’s mastery lies in his ability to combine these three methods harmoniously. As a result, the text gains multiple layers of meaning rather than remaining a straightforward narrative.

The proverbs found in O‘tkan Kunlar can be classified into several thematic groups:

1. Proverbs about human relationships and loyalty;

2. Proverbs about wisdom and life experience.

The first group is the most common in the novel. Since the central theme of the work is love and loyalty, Qodiriy frequently employs proverbs related to these concepts. Proverbs such as “A good friend is like one’s hands and feet; a bad friend is a headache” are used to evaluate the relationships between Otabek and the people around him. Such proverbs serve as criteria for assessing the character and behavior of others.

Proverbs related to love are primarily used to express the feelings and devotion between Otabek and Kumush. These proverbs not only create a particular emotional atmosphere but also enable readers to gain deeper insight into the inner worlds of the characters.

The speeches of older characters, especially Yusufbek Hoji and other experienced figures, contain numerous proverbs related to wisdom and life experience. Proverbs such as “A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend” enrich their speech and emphasize their image as wise and knowledgeable individuals.

These proverbs form the educational and enlightening layer of the novel. Through them, Qodiriy conveys valuable life lessons to readers, not through direct preaching but through artistic expression.

The novel portrays the complexity of life and the unexpected turns of human destiny. Accordingly, proverbs expressing ideas such as “The heart longs for what the eyes have seen” or “No one can escape death” are reflected throughout the work. Such proverbs are often used during moments of hardship, despair, and suffering experienced by the characters.

These proverbs allow the misfortunes faced by the characters to be interpreted from a folk-philosophical perspective and contribute to the tragic tone of the novel.

In contexts associated with positive characters, especially Yusufbek Hoji, proverbs about hard work and perseverance are frequently encountered. Proverbs carrying meanings similar to “Those who strive achieve their goals” reflect the characters’ active approach to life and their philosophy of diligence.

One of the most important stylistic techniques employed by Qodiriy is adapting proverbs to the individual speech characteristics of his characters. Through this method, each character acquires a distinct linguistic portrait.

Yusufbek Hoji’s speech is particularly rich in proverbs. This is not accidental: he is a man of experience, wisdom, and eloquence. The proverbs he uses are carefully considered and perfectly suited to the situations in which they appear. At the same time, they deepen and enrich his character.

In contrast, the proverbs found in Kumush’s speech perform a somewhat different function. They are more emotional and heartfelt, serving as expressions of her inner feelings and emotional struggles. Here, the proverb functions not as a logical conclusion but as a manifestation of emotion.

Negative characters such as Hamid also use proverbs, but they often employ them incorrectly or manipulate them for personal gain. Through this technique, Qodiriy reveals the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of such characters.

In O‘tkan Kunlar, proverbs simultaneously perform several stylistic functions.

As a means of description. Proverbs often provide a level of precision and conciseness that cannot be achieved through ordinary language. Instead of lengthy descriptions, Qodiriy can portray an entire situation through a single proverb.

As a compositional device. In certain chapters and sections, proverbs serve as compositional nodes. They may momentarily pause the flow of events, encouraging readers to reflect, or they may prepare the ground for subsequent developments.

As a means of preserving national color. O‘tkan Kunlar depicts Uzbek life in the nineteenth century. Proverbs play a crucial role in recreating the speech and communication style characteristic of that period. They strengthen the historical and national atmosphere of the novel.

As a means of revealing character psychology. In many cases, the choice of a particular proverb and the context in which it is used reveal important aspects of a character’s inner world and emotional state. This forms part of Qodiriy’s technique of psychological realism.

A linguistic analysis of the proverbs in the novel reveals several important features.

Lexical characteristics. Proverbs generally employ simple and widely understandable vocabulary. However, this simplicity is only superficial; each word is carefully selected and precisely placed. The novel also contains archaic lexical elements, enriching its historical and linguistic dimension.

Syntactic characteristics. Most folk proverbs consist of two parts: the first presents a condition or description, while the second provides a conclusion. This parallel syntactic structure is preserved in the proverbs found throughout the novel. Such a structure creates rhythmic appeal and facilitates memorization.

Figurative usage. Many of the proverbs in the novel contain metaphors, comparisons, and irony. These figurative devices elevate them beyond simple didactic statements and transform them into genuine artistic expressions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, O‘tkan Kunlar is not only a masterpiece of Uzbek literature but also an exemplary illustration of how folk proverbs can be effectively integrated into a literary text. Abdulla Qodiriy demonstrates remarkable skill in using proverbs: he incorporates them naturally into the narrative, employs them effectively in character development, and relies on them as one of the principal means of preserving national color and historical atmosphere.

The thematic and linguistic study of the proverbs in the novel reveals new layers of meaning within the text. This once again confirms the promising potential of studying Qodiriy’s literary heritage from the perspectives of modern literary criticism and linguistics. Future research may yield significant results through comparative analyses of the proverbs in O‘tkan Kunlar and those found in the works of other Uzbek writers.

Akbarova Farangiz was born on May 16, 2005, in Qumqorgon district, Surkhandarya region. She is currently a 3rd-year student at Termiz University of Economics and Service, Faculty of Pedagogy and Social Sciences, majoring in Preschool and Primary Education with a specialization in Foreign Language, Group 2.23.