According to Shakespeare's Macbeth, 
Life "is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

First, some announcements: In February, on Saturday the 28th at 2pm, Synchronized Chaos Magazine partners with the Hayward Lit Hop to co-host the Hayward Coffee Hop.

Join with us to hear poems and sample the wares of four different local coffee shops in downtown Hayward, California (Zocalo’s, Snappy’s, Concha Dreams, and the Old City Roastery). Advance tickets required, reserve your spot here.

In March we will have a presence at the Association of Writing Programs conference in Baltimore which will include a free public offsite reading at Urban Reads on Friday, March 6th at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend!

So far the lineup for our reading, the Audible Browsing Experience, includes Elwin Cotman, Katrina Byrd, Terry Tierney, Terena Bell, Shakespeare Okuni, and our editor, Cristina Deptula. If there’s time, an open mic will follow.

Poet Marin Angel, of Finland and Bulgaria, is forming a new, vast, international poetry society, the Poetic Political Party for Transparency, that will publish books and which seeks editors and writers.

Published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng is still hosting a poetry contest, open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest: We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome. Deadline for submissions will be in early March.

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

We’re also announcing the release of contributor Brian Barbeito’s new book The Book of Love and Mourning.

From Brian: These prose poems and photos are a journey that celebrate memory and colour and the near and far. Please travel along and explore both the written word and the visual narrative. The content will include but not be limited to, forest trails, meadows and skies, grasshoppers and wild clovers, electric light, and various seasons. And at times we will dream, reminisce, and wonder about the world, its form, content, and continual movement. 

The Book of Love and Mourning can be ordered here.

Now, for February’s second issue! This issue, Sound and Fury, Signifying Everything, as opposed to Macbeth’s feelings of meaninglessness, points to the importance of individual people and relationships, to ordinary settings and personal life stories.

Dmitriy Kogan asserts the value of ordinary words from understandable poets. Mykyta Ryzhykh’s micropoems hit on different nerves: money, guilt, tradition, speech, silence. Christopher Bernard’s first installment of Senor Despair explores the search for hope and meaning in a complex world.

Terry Trowbridge’s speakers inhabit and listen to time, rather than shouting their existences into the world. Mahbub Alam’s speaker slowly awakens from a deep sleep. On the other hand, Aurelia Preskill’s speaker desires to fully inhabit her universe and her own body. Michael Todd Steffen’s pieces concern observation: seeing our world, and the instability of what we see. Janaea Rose Lyn takes us on a poetic journey from grief to cognition to embodiment and, finally, to translucence. Taro Aizu finds gentle peace in everyday blessings and beauty. Jumanazarova Mohlaroyim Islombek qizi explicates the deep and stormy inner world behind Said Ahmad’s ironically titled novel Silence. Timothee Bordenave explores the emotional territory of pleasure, escape, rebirth, and devotion.

J.J. Campbell depicts the debris of soul damage from a long and weary life, but continues living, as he has little choice. Mahbub Alam evokes the solemn weariness of insomnia in an elegant poem. Taylor Dibbert reflects on turning points in a relationship that went south. John Edward Culp’s work quietly dares without becoming showy, as a person eases into the risk of loving and being loved. Kalipada Ghosh celebrates a gentle and inspiring love. Dr. Fernando Martinez Alderete presents the comfort and care of a steady, long-term love. Lan Xin’s love poetry carries a spiritual bent, drawing on metaphors of angels and ancient Chinese temples. Cai Zhenyuan ties love into universal compassion and making moral choices.

Alexa Grospe speaks to the visceral pain of someone struggling to be seen and loved in their ordinary humanness. Jacques Fleury advises readers to become comfortable and at home in their own identities and bodies. Eva Lianou Petropoulou reminds humans not to lose sight of our hearts and creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Bill Tope and Doug Hawley contribute a co-written bleak, funny, and tender short story that highlights the humanity not only of disabled people, but all those who age and change with time. Noah Berlatsky comments with humor on physical aging. Dilafro’z Sultanova aspires to health and wellness in her advertising jingle to the Central Asian health drink Beleever. Diyora Abduolimova and Jurayeva Aziza Rakhmatovna discusses the importance of and methods for inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Shoshana Vegh speaks to a mythical love that endures through time. Mesfakus Salahin promises his commitment to his loved one throughout his life journey. Jamal Garougar affirms a quiet, humble love. Mandy Pistikou’s poetry outlines a romantic relationship that grows and deepens with time. Sabo Jurayeva urges people to marry for the right reasons, building strong families on love and commitment rather than infatuation.

Iroda Abdusamiyeva pays tribute to her kind, tenderhearted mother as Ibodimova Lobar Muzzafar qizi mourns the loss of her loving mother. Eshmatova Charos offers her love and respect to her mother through a prayer. Akramova Sarvinoz pays tribute to the love and strength of her parents. Dildorakhon Tursunboyeva tenderly expresses her love for her dear mother.

Jerrice J. Baptiste’s colorful artwork celebrates the joy of female friendship and sisterhood. Graciela Noemi Villaverde highlights the transformative power of both friendship and love. Sayani Mukherjee explores interpersonal love through the lenses of memory, religion, myth, and culture. Hanaan Abdelkader Ashour honors the love she shared with those who are departed and feels their continued presence.

Safarqulova Iroda and Maja Milojkovic celebrates the beauty of their heritages and mother tongues. Abdusaidova Jasmina expresses her pure joy and pride in her Uzbek homeland. Isaac Dominion Aju’s personal essay describes his journey towards accepting, creating, and claiming his identity as a Black African man. Normuminova Charos Shamshoshodovna looks deep in her heart and soul to find the meaning of “homeland.”

Halilova Rukshona Abdufattohovna honors the scientific and philosophical legacy of ancient scholar Abu Nasr al-Farabi. Sevara Jo’raqulova highlights the love for Uzbek heritage, nature, and culture in Alexander Faynberg’s poetry.

Duane Vorhees also addresses nature as a theme, speaking to spring’s regrowth in a natural, unsentimental way. Aziza Xazamova shares fun and colorful winter memories. Christina Chin celebrates the clear, pure beauty of winter. Ananya S. Guha’s poetry speaks to natural cycles and resilience, places that keep a hold on people even after they leave. Yongbo Ma constructs an interior landscape built through a variety of objects, places and natural creatures: rocks, tadpoles, frogs, a person’s hometown.

Brian Michael Barbeito’s nature-based prose is quietly luminous, reflective, and tender, reminding us to see the grace in the everyday. Soumen Roy compares the ebbs and flows of relationships to waves at sea. Dr. Jernail S. Anand’s essay highlights the cosmic and natural power balances of the universe.

G’afforova Hadichaxon Abduhamid qizi also writes from a wide perspective, addressing the importance of addressing air pollution on systemic as well as individual levels. Jalolova Charos weighs various sustainable design models for our world’s growing cities. Mamatraimova Khadicha Eshali qizi discusses toponymy, the science of naming places and landforms, in a certain area of Uzbekistan. Dildora Xo’jyozova appreciates Uzbekistan’s rich and multilayered history and culture. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva celebrates the literary legacy of Uzbek writer and social theorist Chol’pon.

Egamberdiyeva Diloromxon highlights the importance of Uzbeks’ understanding their nation’s constitution. Jumayev Sanjar Ilyos ogli also explores the wisdom and importance of the Uzbek constitution in shaping the country. Bai Gengsheng’s poetry, translated by Lan Xin, highlights the enduring power of fortitude and wisdom in China’s cultural heritage. Zubayda Tursunboyeva illuminates themes in Uzbek poetess Zulfiya’s work: love, family, patriotism, and peace. Shermamatova Kamola Azizbek qizi discusses ways to incorporate epic world literature into the classroom.

Razzokova Feruza’s essay discusses how language and culture influence emotional expression. Mahmudjonova Rushonabonu outlines the global importance of the English language. Qobiljonova Hurixon compares advantages of blended and traditional education for those learning English as a second language. Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi discusses ways to overcome cognitive and psychological barriers to language learning. Nazarova Gulbaxor Azimjon qizi discusses the impact of bilingualism on personality.

Sultonmurodova Aqida identifies and offers solutions to problems students face with learning foreign languages. Shodiqulova Dilorom Niymatulla qizi highlights the value of teachers’ classroom preparation and evaluation tasks in helping students learn languages and other subjects. Mahamqulova Ruhshona Rustam qizi discusses the cultural and psychological benefits of joint educational programs, where a student may receive academic credit from institutions in different countries. Mominova Nozimakhon highlights the many ways education benefits society at large.

Xolmurotova Gulzoda outlines roles of digital platforms in language learning. Jumanazarova Nafisa discusses roles for artificial intelligence in learning English. Mamatova Mahbuba Abdulboqi qizi addresses the proper pedagogical conditions for using project-based technology in teaching literature. To’g’ilova Dinora shows how mobile apps can help students learn the Korean language. Abduhamidova Nihola shares methodological foundations for multimedia tools in language lessons. Madinaxon Tu’ychiyeva explores the efficacy of digitally based learning. Olimova Marjona Ubaydullayevna discusses how artificial intelligence can help with language learning.

To’laganova Muxlisa G’ulomovna discusses the role of artificial intelligence in teaching critical thinking skills. Ne’matullayeva Mukhlisa Sherali kizi outlines ways college professors can encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills. Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna highlights the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in higher education.

Erkinov Dilmurod Adham o’g’li points out linguistic conventions in scientific writing. Azamova Kumushoy Akramjon qizi highlights the role of scientific research in modern society. Bafoyev Mirzabek Mirvohidovich reflects on how medical diagnostics has advanced and become more refined with time.

Saida Turdiboyeva reflects on how artificial intelligence is changing our lives. Azimov Mirsaid Salimovich highlights the growing importance of computer code in global infrastructure. Nematova Zarina Ochilboyevna points to the emerging trend of digitization in the labor market. Toshbekova Nozima offers suggestions to address youth unemployment. Abdiyeva Mahbuba Rahmiddinova advocates for increased attention to women’s entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic development and empowerment. Zarina Yorboboyeva discusses ways to improve strategic management in business enterprises in Central Asia. Shonazarov Shohjaxon outlines advantages and disadvantages of modern consumer credit.

J.K. Durick’s pieces speak to automation and modern life, the slow erasure of the self. Bozorboyeva Nasiba Ergashboy qizi urges wisdom and foresight in the development and rollout of artificial intelligence technology. Mo’minova Rukhshona highlights how science should not be separated from ethics.

Gaurav Ojha encourages revolutionaries and activists to keep up their spirit and idealism. Norman J. Olson’s drawing conveys the current atmosphere of Minneapolis. Patricia Doyne highlights inconsistencies in American public policy regarding firearms and cultural violence. Kujtim Hajdari laments the destruction and sorrow war causes.

Mauro Montacchiesi highlights themes of moral and psychological choices in the here and now in Dr. Jernail Singh’s book Beyond Heaven, Beyond Hell. James Tian excoriates religion enforced through fear and moral blackmail. Mohammad Sedigh Haghighi reminds us that meaning cannot be outsourced, we are all tasked with a long and personal quest to find what matters.

Angelina Muniz Huberman reviews Beatriz Saavedra Gastelum’s new book Alfonso Reyes: Cartography of the Spirit and the Word, which dramatizes estrangement and exile. Shammah Jeddypaul’s piece evokes the dislocation of trauma through a narrator whose situation we gradually begin to grasp. David Kokoette’s raw, furious, and wounded poetry looks at systemic and personal violation and invasion.

Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal’s work probes spaces where meaning becomes unreliable and sensory overload collapses into numbness. Grzegorz Wroblewski’s asemic scrawls reflect intuitive thought maps or emotional streams of consciousness. Mark Young’s pieces feel geometric, like a meditation on latency. Rus Khomutoff contributes a chant, a waking dream, a data-streamed prayer. Poet Yongbo Ma interviews writer Jeffrey Cyphers Wright about his fun, freeflowing, and experimental poetry craft.

Ruziyeva Nigina Sanat kizi delves into the moral and spiritual aspects of O’tkir Hoshimov’s work. Jakhongir Nomozov interviews Azerbaijani poet, translator, and journalist Aysel Khanlargizi Safarli on beauty, meaning, and spiritual understanding in her work.

Sevinch Botirjonova explicates the power of words in an increasingly connected world. Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to memory, faith, and history. Nozima Gofurova highlights the thoughtful literary criticism of Ozod Sharafiddinov and how he examined literature as a force to mold and inspire society as well as elegant entertainment. Jumayev Sanjar Ilyos ogli celebrates the many roles of Uzbekistan’s young people in shaping the country’s future.

Dustmurodova Marjona Doniyorovna illuminates the value of lifelong learning as Türkan Ergör urges us to forget past sorrows and grudges and Opeyemi Oluwayomi asserts his steady belief in the value and beauty of tomorrow.

We hope that this issue helps you keep growing, thinking, and believing in our shared future.

There is a return

Almost nowhere trapped

in these hills I am caught

among voices and a lone dream

that these terrains weave among 

clouds and gurgling streams 

I am ensnared by some form

beauty or demonic beast 

but I lift my hands, a prayer 

to these tempestuous hills 

even as the stalactites and the stalagmites

in cavernous rocks of Cherra wither 

Into fantasy. There is a return.

You know 

Everyday the sun triumphs 

in these hills, even when 

it rains vigorously lashing window panes

but the sun less fortuitous triumphs 

sans glory

as it nestles by the hill side storm

and is, bystander to the history of these 

hills. I summon courage to withstand 

the rain or an earthquake 

knowing that the sun with bravado

gets a glimpse of my fortitude.

Resilience

In these rivers there is dirt

but the muddied images of 

the goddess float after the immersion

for another Durga Puja to emerge

these October rains flood the Umiam lake 

and mirages feint on hill tops

blue skies mirror images of a hill town 

caught in time warp of city and town.

The school 

Still stands though buildings 

have changed 

but the relentless corridor and teachers

In cassocks haunt dreams

even as the Alsatian dog barks 

in mnemonic hiatuses.

I get up prepared to go to school 

for another day, as years lapse

into history.

The crows

Every night they rattled roof tops

and in Gauhati their mournful cawing

nibbled at my dreams

Earthly wonder, theirs was a raiment

of dark dark even as the moon winced 

to lessen a bit of the black 

and merge them with dark nights.

Their sullen mourning sent a shriek 

in the air and in Shillong’s rains 

they pranced madly in their wetness.

​The Architecture of the Gray Soul

​Introduction

​Countless humans have lived on Earth—those who formed the past, those in the present, and those who will shape the future. Every person thinks, learns, and acts differently from one another. The settings of the human mind are all personalized by the environment in which one grows up, the micro-details of their life, and so on. Man Is the source of all thoughts, religions, and political systems (Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Totalitarianism).

​All the destruction that has happened in the world, the progress and the good that have occurred, the industrial revolutions, the inventions, and the books that have been written are the work of humans. All good and evil have been created by us, humans; the first spark of thought was ignited by our minds, and we put it into action. May we, as humans, be the cause of goodness in this black-and-white world, and may we allow the white to prevail over the darkness. But let us remember: to change the world, we must first turn the darkness that has engulfed our own being into light.

​The Body

​How can everything be so cold and soulless? Lack of purpose creates a lack of motivation, and a lack of motivation makes the mind ill and depressed. What in this world can make us happy and purposeful? Money, wealth, fame, or a cup of coffee, a little water, and a book or a film to watch? I do not know If these are related or not, but when you do not feel yourself, it is as if you have no existence. Truly, what are we doing here? Do we have any impact on this gray and black world?

​Humans are slaves to other humans; great pyramids of people who are slaves to others. This is the system of today’s societies. With every step we take, we touch the darkness and the dust that has surrounded us all with our entire being. Routine and a lack of creativity have become natural for people. If someone wants to be different, people cannot tolerate them. Who implemented this system in the world? Have the great capitalists forced people to be like robots? Have they promoted those without talent—who reach positions through buffoonery and mockery—to create entertainments so that people see no need for any change In themselves?

​I fear the day I want to do something, but the result fails for completely absurd reasons. Fear sometimes makes us feel terrible for any reason. Fear is like a monster that we always want to avoid facing, lest that monster destroys us. Most people consider themselves free of fear, but no one is honest about this. Even the bravest people have a very deep fear hidden in a corner of their heart. Those who run away from their fear instead of accepting and living with It will eventually, as I said, be swallowed by fear like a monster.

​How is happiness created within us? By gaining money, wealth, status, or eating our favorite food? Note that if a person has all of these but feels empty, how can the issue of happiness and being glad return to their mental and intellectual state? The more humble and educated a person is, the more their sense of happiness can differ from someone who gambles and spends their day drinking alcohol.

​I do not know what is right or wrong. What is life? Where is our goal? What does our nationality define within us? What identity do races and ethnicities give us? These only form part of the confusion of our minds. Why should someone be in the best place on this planet while another is in the worst? How and in what way was this boundary between individuals created? Where did grudge, envy, hypocrisy, and narcissism come from? Certainly, even the greatest scientists do not have correct answers to these questions and give cliché answers like: “These were all created by God…”

​Very well, most of us believe in a higher power, but who Is there to answer us directly? True, if we think correctly, we ourselves are responsible for finding an answer for ourselves. Now, this answer will be determined according to our way of thinking and the goal we believe in. That is, all answers can be correct, but truly, which one Is “more” correct?

Streaming Sonnet

Age

is

just

a 

number

reflecting 

the

intensity

with

which

I

have

to

pee.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE IN SCIENTIFIC STYLE

Erkinov Dilmurod Adham o‘g‘li

Master’s student, Namangan State Pedagogical Institute

Introduction

The development of society, science, and technology significantly expands the functional potential of language. Language serves not only as a means of communication but also as an essential tool for expressing scientific thinking. In particular, the necessity to present ideas clearly, consistently, and logically in scientific activity has led to the formation of the scientific style. The scientific style differs from other functional styles of language in its objectivity, logical coherence, precision, and generalization. These features are most clearly manifested in sentence structure.In scientific discourse, every idea is based on specific evidence, concepts, or theoretical foundations. Therefore, logical consistency and grammatical accuracy prevail over emotionality, imagery, or subjective attitudes. This imposes specific requirements on syntactic structure.

Sentences used in scientific texts are usually complex and are interconnected through logical relations such as cause–effect, explanation, comparison, condition, and conclusion. As a result, a chain of ideas is formed within the text, facilitating the reader’s comprehension of scientific information.The issue of sentence structure in scientific style is closely related to syntax as a branch of linguistics.

Syntactic means ensure the logical organization of information, the clear expression of relationships between concepts, and the integrity of overall meaning in scientific texts. In particular, the standard word order of sentence elements, frequent use of complex sentences with subordinate clauses, prevalence of nominalized forms, and use of passive voice verbs are considered key features of scientific syntax.

In addition, sentences in scientific style often have a generalized character. That is, they are oriented not toward a specific person but toward phenomena and laws. Therefore, personal references are limited, predicates are mostly used in the present tense, and ideas are presented objectively. These features ensure the objectivity of scientific discourse.

Such characteristics of sentence construction reflect the mechanism of expressing scientific thinking through language.This article analyzes the syntactic features of sentence construction typical of the scientific style, examines word order, the use of complex sentences, and logical cohesive devices through examples.

Typical sentence models used in scientific texts are also discussed, revealing their role in delivering information clearly and consistently. Studying these issues is important for developing scientific writing skills, improving scientific speech culture, and enriching syntactic research in linguistics.

Literature Review

The issue of scientific style and its syntactic features has been widely studied in linguistics, primarily at the intersection of functional stylistics and syntax. Research on grammatical, lexical, and stylistic features of scientific discourse provides a significant theoretical basis for understanding the structure of scientific texts.

In Uzbek linguistics, the classification of functional styles and the distinctive features of scientific style have been examined by scholars such as N. Mahmudov, A. Nurmonov, Sh. Rahmatullayev, and H. Doniyorov. These studies identify precision, logical coherence, conciseness, and objectivity as the main characteristics of scientific style.

Scholars emphasize that the selection of linguistic units in scientific discourse serves to convey content clearly and objectively, which is especially evident in sentence construction.From a syntactic perspective, the structure of scientific texts has been extensively discussed in the works of A. G‘ulomov, M. Asqarova, and B. O‘rinboyev.

They analyze word order, the use of compound and complex sentences, and the role of subordinate constructions in expressing logical relations. In particular, they note that complex sentences are more frequently used than simple ones in scientific discourse, especially to express cause–effect, condition, and explanatory relations.

Scientific style syntax has also been widely studied in Russian and international linguistics. Scholars such as V. V. Vinogradov, M. N. Kozhina, and I. R. Galperin analyze scientific discourse as a functional style and identify syntactic means that ensure objectivity and logical coherence. According to them, scientific texts are oriented toward phenomena rather than individuals, which leads to the frequent use of impersonal constructions, passive voice forms, nominalizations, and terminological expressions.

Recent studies within text linguistics focus on text syntax, discourse analysis, and communicative-pragmatic approaches. In these studies, scientific discourse is analyzed not only at the sentence level but also at the text level, considering theme–rheme relations, information flow, and cohesive devices. As a result, sentence construction in scientific style is interpreted in close connection with textual coherence.

Research Methodology

This article employs diachronic analysis, comparative analysis, semantic analysis, and stylistic analysis methods.

Analysis and Results

The analysis of sentence construction in scientific style focuses on syntactic models typical of scientific texts, word order, and the use of logical cohesive devices. The results indicate that sentence structure in scientific discourse significantly differs from other functional styles and primarily serves to convey information clearly, consistently, and objectively.

Features of Simple Sentences

In scientific texts, simple sentences mainly serve to define concepts, clarify notions, and express general conclusions. Such sentences are concise, grammatically complete, and free from emotional elements. The following models are frequently used:

Definitional sentences: A phoneme is the smallest meaningful unit of language.

Classificatory sentences: Sentences are divided into simple and complex sentences according to their structure.

Generalizing sentences: Scientific discourse is based on precision and logical coherence. In these sentences, the subject is typically expressed by a noun or nominalized form, while the predicate appears in the present tense, ensuring generality and permanence of scientific statements.

Dominance of Complex Sentences

The analysis shows that complex sentences are more frequent than simple ones in scientific style due to the need to express logical relations such as cause–effect, condition, explanation, and comparison.

Common models include: Cause–effect: Language units are interconnected as a system because each element is a component of the overall structure.

Conditional:If sentence elements are arranged correctly, clarity of thought is ensured.

Explanatory constructions:Scientific style is a form of language used to express scientific information.

These structures ensure coherence and enable step-by-step development of ideas.

Word Order

Scientific style follows standard grammatical word order. Inversion is rare, as it may cause ambiguity. Observations show that:the subject usually appears at the beginning of the sentence;modifiers precede the head noun;the predicate typically occurs at the end.

Example:The syntactic structure of a scientific text ensures logical coherence.This model functions as a standard syntactic pattern in scientific discourse.

Passive Voice and Impersonal Constructions

Scientific style tends to focus on processes and phenomena rather than individuals. Therefore, the following are widely used:passive voice forms; impersonal sentences; nominalized constructions.

Examples:This phenomenon has been widely studied in linguistics.The following methods were used in the study.These constructions enhance objectivity.

Logical Connectors

Sentences in scientific texts are connected by specific cohesive devices such as therefore, thus, as a result, first, second, in particular, that is. These elements facilitate logical flow and reader comprehension.

General Findings

The analysis leads to the following conclusions:

Sentence construction in scientific style strictly follows logical coherence. Complex sentences serve as the main syntactic tool of scientific discourse. Standard word order predominates, with minimal inversion.

Passive and impersonal constructions ensure objectivity. Logical connectors contribute to textual cohesion.

Overall, sentence construction in scientific style reflects the close relationship between language and logical thinking, serving as an effective mechanism for precise and systematic transmission of scientific information.

A RIGHTEOUS DAUGHTER’S PRAYER

A thousand thanks to God, my endless prayer

For giving me a mother kind and rare

My crown in Heaven, Eden’s brightest part

My loveliest moments live within your heart, Mom

My faith, my pride, my honor standing tall

My greatest mountain – you above them all 

When I take flight, you are my wings to soar

My finest song, my strength forevermore, Dad

Eshmatova Charos is one of the most inquisitive students, deeply studying linguistic theory, and a holder of international certificates. She was born on August 18, 2007 in Uzbekistan. She is studying at Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy Fields of activity: in depth of study the Uzbek language, gaining detailed knowledge of Turkish languages, and Early Achievements and Educational Path. She has obtained a national certificate in Uzbek language and literature (B level) and holds several international certificates. She graduated from secondary school with excellent grades and achieved notable positions in several academic subject Olympics.

Shouting TIME

So may I someday, sitting at play in my little unknown courtyard.

-A line from the poem “The Last Romantic” by John Ashbery.

May I, I pray,

someday, say TIME.

My mouth open, but breath stopped.

No air twisted by my language.

Not the word, but the event. TIME.

Its meaning will be conveyed by rote memory

directly into the minds of the people. TIME.

My name will be undead.

From then on, my name will be foreknown

by every baby born, by every deathbed rosary grip,

as the philosopher who knew how to tongue the name of Saturn

that no mortal had ever pronounced before. TIME.

The soundless rote memory of each molecule

and flexed in crystalline chirality. The turn of a closing sarcophagus jar,

screwed into the body of a helical protein. TIME.

The cousin of those twins, Heat and Pressure,

who would hear my call, and would answer,

by vibrating the hollow bones of birds, BIRDSONG TRIUMPHANT,

in simultaneous exultation.

Their talons on the ledges of the rows of ossuaries

that line the psychic riverbanks of the city.

Saturn returns a kiss. Lovingly.

Placing his expressionless lips on the forehead of my skull.

Willard van Dyke, Funnels, 1932

• Photo in Phaidon, The Photo Book, p. 127.

If one is intake and the other is output,

they circulate ironies.

On the right, boater hat straight to the sky,

one attentively waits on an arrival.

On the left, face bending the first,

a gossip attends only to its companion.

Sky setting for HVAC,

Denver periscope and snorkel extended in ether,

either one pipe-fitted to purpose,

differently, anatomically differentiated,

completely interchangeable.

Below the photographer’s frame

there has to be a maze, anatomically has to be,

in architecture, on a rooftop, a circulatory system

and unseen rhythms of building inspectors,

repairers, roofers, breathers, odors,

all breathing in timetables, calendars, municipal bylaws,

chartable but not really charted except by Willard van Dye

who looked up to a sunless cloudless unbirdened sky

without the draw of church steeple or billboard or neon light

and the shadow of the pie-plate topper on the straight one

indicates the Sun it shining in its face and on van Dyke’s back

and from this angle he must be lying down on the roof,

Willard’s camera as far away from the base of the Funnels

as inches are between the soles of his feet and his eyes

the hypotenuse thereof ridden by the focus of his lens –

the only straight line of the entire picture

that is not hooked by a corner and recycled forever in circles.

Canadian farmer Terry Trowbridge’s poems have appeared in CV2, The New Quarterly, Dalhousie Review, Nashwaak Review, The Great Lakes Review, Pamenar Press, The Ex-Puritan, Studies in Social Justice, and ~200 more places. He is grateful to the Ontario Arts Council for funding during the polycrisis.