First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge 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
Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in future issues of Synchronized Chaos
Now, for this month’s issue: The Stories We Tell Ourselves. We explore communication, relationships, myth, history, imagination – different ways of making meaning from life.
Dildora Abdullayeva considers the study of phrases as a part of human language and how phrases have changed over the years. Toychiyeva Madinaxon points out how young people are changing global language through Internet slang. Habibullayeva Lalyokhon Zarifjon kizi explores cultural and linguistic features of phrases in the Uzbek language. Rashidova Shohshanam speaks to the rapid changes in the Uzbek language and the challenges and opportunities that poses for educators. Noah Berlatsky reflects with humor on how our brains’ memory for language might shrink with modernity.
Dildora Qobilova suggests common student grammatical errors and ways to correct them in the classroom. Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi suggests ways to enhance young children’s speech fluency. Suyarova Gulsanam explicates finer points of Uzbek grammar for audiences speaking all languages. Abulqosimova Bahora highlights the intricacies of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. Muqaddas Islomova highlights the role of multimedia digital technologies in helping language learners enhance their speech skills. Shamsiddinova Maftuna Hamidjon qizi gives an overview of academic studies into the structure and functions of different parts of speech. Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi highlights the central role of linguistics in reinforcing the values of a socialist society. Rukhshona Kamolova Turayeva highlights the importance of studying the history and role of the English language to understanding effective communication. Sharifov Sirojiddin Shavkatovich underscores the critical importance of basic math literacy to social functioning. Satimboyeva Risolet outlines educational benefits of AI technologies in education.
Kucharov Bakhodir outlines principles of written and spoken professional communication. Dilnoza Bekmurodovna Navruzbekovna urges people to carefully consider what career would be right for them, and for schools to facilitate that deliberation. Aslidinova O’giloy highlights the potential of a digital economy and the need to prepare students for that world. Sarvar Eshpulatov also highlights the importance of digital literacy for success in today’s society. Niyozova Shakhnoza Farhod qizi elucidates the potential of digital technologies in education. Iroda Sobirova offers suggestions for fostering entrepreneurship in Central Asia and elsewhere. Choliyev Nurbek Rözimbek ogli highlights the importance of local banks in trusting in the creditworthiness of local entrepreneurs. Eshmurodova Sevinch Bahrom qizi outlines steps credit card bureaus can take to ensure consumer security. Urinova Robiyabonu discusses the use of psychology in professional management. Qarshiboyeva Mavluda Azizbek qizi analyzes the role of international assessment exams in world education. Abduvaliyeva Jasmina Jahongir qizi outlines some upsides and downsides of economic and cultural globalization.
Satimboyeva Rizolat discusses how to develop a social culture of reading and literary appreciation that goes beyond the classroom. Aziza Xasanova highlights the joy and creativity and history of the Uzbek mother tongue. Qudratova Nozima Bahromovna outlines the innovative narrative storytelling techniques of Uzbek author Tog’ay Murod.
Lakshmi Kant Mukul shares some of a people’s history of India through the lens of one architectural landmark, the Qutub Minar. Alan Catlin renders the historical, somnolent, stuck atmosphere of the American Rust Belt into poetry. Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso delves into the Islamic Turkish Kara-Khanid state, which reached its height in the 700s. Duane Vorhees traces a variety of Jewish mystical influences on Sigmund Freud. Chimezie Ihekuna relates how the modern Nigerian state came together as a result of colonial powers and bears little relation to cultural realities, causing a legacy of trouble. Jacques Fleury reviews Boston Lyric Stage’s production of a mashup of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol, providing two different lenses through which to interpret Victorian England. Qulliyeva Feruza Qosimova highlights the role of the Uzbek constitution in guiding contemporary society.
Mahbub Alam reflects with nostalgia on his high school days: friends, teachers, the school environment. Mesfakus Salahin revels in the wonder of childhood and memory. Sobirjonova Rayhona expresses gratitude to a dedicated teacher.
Olga Levadnaya speaks to the ‘halo effect’ of memory, where we remember the best parts of what happened to us. Dr. Jernail S. Anand considers his memories to be friends. Taghrid Bou Merhi holds onto the hazy and charming days of childhood and dreams. Mandy Diamantou Pistikou reminds us of the innocence and joyful curiosity of early childhood. Meanwhile, Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to the feelings, thoughts, and sensations of middle age.
Taro Hokkyo brings to life a moment of deep soul recognition among two different people. Turkan Ergor wonders at the vast diversity of people’s life experiences, given our common humanity. Dr. Kang Byeong-Cheol reminds us of the ingredients of love: wisdom, compassion, and humility. Mrinal Kanti Ghosh reflects on a love that captures his soul and disrupts his consciousness.
Mohan Maharana also writes of compassion, speaking of his work as a healer and social worker coming alongside people living with mental illness. Juana Del Carmen Soria urges people to make wise and caring choices. Asmonur Rajabboyeva, in a piece translated into English by Shuxratova Nilufar, draws on a chamomile flower as a symbol for innocence and compassion. Eva Petropoulou Lianou puts out an urgent call for global peace. Dianne Reeves Angel looks beyond the commercialism of Christmas to seek out spiritual gifts of peace and love and hope. Brajesh Kumar Gupta affirms that goodness is so much stronger than evil. Zuhra Jumanazarova highlights the critical role of the Uzbek constitution in the country’s governance and respect for internationally recognized human rights. Eva Petropoulou Lianou laments the violence and selfishness of humanity, in poetry translated into Mandarin by Yongbo Ma. Pat Doyne mocks corruption in the United States’ federal government. Bill Tope argues against gambling from a social justice perspective. Yongbo Ma also translates a poem from Ahmed Farooq Baidoon on the weary quest of all too many people for justice. Brendan Dawson sketches some of society’s outsiders – immigrants and poets – and reflects on how society has become less welcoming.
Sayani Mukherjee wishes an old lover well with their new love during the holidays, while still acknowledging her sorrow. Abdulhafiz Iduoze speaks to the cycle of life and death in her imagistic poem. Kemal Berk yearns for a lost loved one through verse. Aisha Al-Maharabi evokes the pain of loss and longing in love. Graciela Noemi Villaverde mourns the loss of her husband of many years through poetry. Abigail George renders cautious and loving care for her father with cancer into thoughtful and slow poetry. Farzaneh Dorri pays tribute to a departed human rights lawyer.
Mirta Liliana Ramirez grieves the loss of someone who suffered much and had a difficult life. Sumaiyya Alessmael mourns the passing of her immortal, fanciful beloved. Milana Momcilovic evokes centuries of timeless longing for a lost love. Salimeh Mousavi probes probes a family’s grief to create a complex and layered character sketch and to mourn for parts of individual personhood severed by culture.
Kavi Nielsen poetically expresses a sense of unity and connection with nature and their loved one. Shawn Schooley celebrates the sensual attraction he feels for his lover. Jamal Garougar speaks to the submergence of egos and unity with a broader whole inherent in love.
Petros Kyriakou Veloudas depicts love, grief, and memory feeding into the artistic process. Ana Elisa Medina encourages someone close to her to sing and share his heart’s journey. Kandy Fontaine reflects on how Motorhead frontman Lemmy inspired her artistically and personally.
Dianne Reeves Angel celebrates the joy of intentional female connection and friendship over many years. Priyanka Neogi reminds women and girls to remember their insight and strength. Amirah al-Wassif’s surreal poetry speaks to womanhood and our relationship with our bodies and minds.
J.J. Campbell shrugs and finds himself in a place of dull resignation, even at the holiday season, and renders his feelings into poems. Alan Hardy speaks to the vulnerability of being alone, whether in the wild or in his own mind, and how he protects himself by letting go of regret. Santiago Burdon depicts some misadventures along the road of guiding an emerging writer towards greater originality.
Mark Young expresses fascination with arbitrary liminality, how we attempt to classify the world. Duane Vorhees reflects on natural and human moments of energy and transition, such as thunderstorms, from a comfortable distance that lets him think and react with wonder.
We hope this issue brings wonder, new thoughts, and empathy to your life.
I still recall the last time I spoke to an alien, or perhaps merely imagined it to be so. It happened immediately after the first drops of blood—later known as menstruation—appeared. I curled up in a corner, watching the wall where it walked in transparent attire, playing cards next to a widow spider. I don’t know if it was truly a widow, but perhaps my mood at the time made me assume it.
From that moment, I imagined Eve dreaming of the respectable apple. Imagined her exhausted, suffering the cycle. Imagined her startled by the fact of her femaleness. I saw her in my mind attempting to flee the obsessive-compulsive disorder, the doubt, and the petty anxieties. Imagining herself pregnant, her belly immense, and her legs swollen from fluid retention. I pictured her with one eye open and one eye closed, like a resting wolf. Then the alien suddenly stung me; I opened my eyes and found it wearing Adam’s mask, recounting the familiar story from the perspective of the victim who fell into the trap of temptation.
No Bigger Than a Chickpea
Do you remember?
When I knelt before you, crying?
When you smiled at me and explained
Why did a piece of my body have to be cut off?
Do you remember?
You said,
“You won’t feel a thing.
It’s no bigger than a chickpea.”
My mother was boiling mint leaves.
I swear I felt the pot weeping.
Every leaf of mint seemed to ache,
As if preparing for a funeral.
You wore a loose, colorful galabiya.
You were laughing,
Genuinely happy, waiting for the line of girls—
So you could circumcise them.
It was the first time I heard the word.
I thought it was something
Like trimming your nails.
And I thought
You were like the school nurse.
We were laughing so hard,
Chasing one another,
Waiting for our turn.
The mother of each girl
Whispered to her:
“Once they cut that piece from you,
You’ll be a good girl.”
Do you remember?
Do you remember how all the girls begged you
When you pulled out the blade?
We thought it was a joke.
We thought it was a game.
But we never knew
We were part of it.
What the Palm Reader Told Me
A palm reader tells me I’ll end up working as a clown.
She says it with a wide smile shaped like a swordfish.
“You’ll live until sixty,” she says.
“And on the day you retire, you’ll take off your shoes in the street and run in the opposite direction of the traffic light.
That’s when you’ll start speaking Chinese—
The language you always dreamed of learning one day.
You’ll say xiè xiè—thank you so very much—
To everyone you meet.
It won’t bother you that the street vendor replies,
‘You’re welcome, Grandma.’
You know he has no manners.
And even though you used to get upset every time he said it,
This time you’ll run—run fast—all the way to the end of the road,
Like a child, like a nightingale eager to sing,
Happy with her voice and showing off a little.
The city’s chaos won’t annoy you then.
Nor the pollution,
Nor the skyscrapers,
Nor the smell of antidepressants.
You won’t think about how many times your father kissed you on his deathbed,
When he closed your eyes with a smile
And you thought he was playing.
You’ll just keep running and running
Until you bump into the throne of the Divine.
And you’ll reach out your hand,
Take a violet rose from it,
Plant it in the hollow of your chest,
And begin again.
A Thumb-Sized Sinbad under My Armpit
Beneath my armpit lives a Sinbad the size of a thumb.
His imagination feeds through an umbilical cord tied to my womb.
Now and then, people hear him speaking through a giant microphone—
Singing,
Cracking jokes,
Laughing like mad,
And impersonating a lonely banana suddenly abandoned by its peel.
The men of our town have no idea I carry a Sinbad inside me.
They say, “A woman—formed from a crooked rib.”
They say, “A woman—waiting for Prince Charming.”
But Sinbad stirs within me like a fetus,
Restless, chasing after adventure.
My aunt pinches my knee
For slipping into daydreams.
The good girls say yes.
But what about no?
What about what Sinbad tells me every night?
No one knows.
No one cares.
.
Thus Spoke the Orange Tree
Yesterday I met an orange tree and asked it, “Tell me, how we fold Time?”
To be born now, a thousand years old. To know how to understand man, beast, bird, insect, flower, and machine. How to walk naked on my tiptoes in a wintry open space, without fearing the cold. To sing at the top of my lungs because (am still breathing)
Without fearing the sirens or the police.
Yesterday I met a pregnant orange tree and whispered in her acrobatic ear, “How do you become an orange tree, then give birth to a moon? How do the jokes melt in your mouth like water with honey? Did you fall for an angel? Or did you read a poem of light? Do you wear crystal balls like cosmic spectacles?”
Yesterday I shed my skin, bone, and flesh like a temporary coat I no longer needed. Yesterday I broke free of it. Broke free of me. And raced at full speed to catch a star that accidentally fell from a baby’s eye. I called out to myself with a thousand foreign tongues, and I prayed. And I sighed. And melted, once more, into the drink of Love.
First Class Donkey
Yesterday I sat next to a donkey in first class. His eyes were pearls, his heart a green stone. When I slipped my hand out from under the seat belt to hold him, a piece of the full moon fell into my lap. I froze. The old stammer from fifth grade came back. My father’s voice in my ear: You’re still shy? It’s a donkey. But I wanted to hold him even more. His heart buzzed like a bee— maybe he could fly, maybe speak, like the ones in Orwell’s farm. His eyes: a fountain of hope. Could a gaze swallow me whole? Could he pull me toward him, inch by inch, until my body vanishes— no one finding me, no one seeing me except him? And the flight attendant? Would she report me missing? Or swear I was never there? The donkey holds a newspaper with a hole in it. I wonder: old-fashioned donkey? I lean closer, resisting the urge to hug him. His gentle eyes tempt me. Closer— I’m already there, inside the hole, second from the right on the obituary page. I’m there, dreaming.
The Play “A SHERLOCK CAROL” Brings a Barrage of Ghostly Mysterious Fun Lyrics Stage
Two prodigious masterworks that pair well as a theater couple. Additional surges of hilarity and plotting make this cup of yuletide merriment a seamless holiday indulgence for all.
A SHERLOCK CAROL
Dec. 14-December 21
Running Time: Two hours plus one 15-minute intermission.
Moriarity is as dead as dead can be. Sherlock Holmes is despondent. Deprived of his number one opponent, what’s the use of it all? Arrive a fully-fledged Tiny Tim and the cagy bereavement of everyone’s beloved humbug and it’s a jolly literary mash-up with wonders around every corner. This renewed and delightful reimagining of two of the most cherished literary characters is a “Dickens” of a yuletide gumshoe story that’s as “good as gold.” Six actors transfigure before your eyes in a spirited, clever, and jubilant holiday humor that is “elementary” for a celebratory outing sure to pleasure audiences of all ages.
With clever and spooktacular staging that has garnered rave reviews and has been described as impressive by a plethora of theater critics, A Sherlock Carol utilizes the medium of genre blending uniting Doyle and Dickens to scare up light hearted mysterious Christmas fun with rapid fire British accents to boot! The costume changes were swift, smart and operative and the sharp tongued, at times, caustic dialogue which was further animated with a pronounced British accent made for a lively busy never a dull moment type performance. There were so many nuances happening on stage, I felt a pressing need to pay attention to everything because I didn’t want to miss a thing! There was romantic interest drama which brought an understated simmering sensuality that made good adult erotic stimulation and interest. With awe aspiring visual effects along with some characterizational surprises, there was never a dull moment.
During the intermission, some of the men were buzzing in the men’s room about how the play really “came alive” during the second act which incited a fiery debate in between the sounds of flushing urinals. Even if you’re not familiar with the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or the campy ubiquitous classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, there is enough context to facilitate your enjoyment of the play as a standalone presentation. The play manages to get philosophical as some thematic elements were clearly rendered with lines like, “You’re not afraid of dying, you’re afraid of living!” Which to me was an eye-opening moment, as was also expressed by my guest sitting next to me; and if anything was a meaningful take away from this disparate play. The great chemistry between the actors made for a seamless light hearted and essentially comical experience that left audiences leaving with childlike smiles on their faces. Sherlock Carol effectively delivered a new campier version of two literary icons; I highly recommend you see this one. Five out of five stars for what it was!
Jacques Fleury
Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian-American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student through Harvard University. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” and other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World and Cooch Behar anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at: http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self
This article discusses the role of reading culture in the development of society and the individual. It highlights the importance of reading in expanding thinking, enriching one’s spiritual world, and increasing knowledge and cultural awareness from both scientific and social perspectives. The necessity of promoting reading among young people and its positive effects are also emphasized.
Introduction
The book is one of the most important sources of human civilization and contributes greatly to the intellectual and spiritual development of society. In today’s era of globalization, when the flow of information is rapidly increasing, forming and strengthening a reading culture has become even more essential. Reading enriches human intellect, develops independent thinking, broadens perspectives, and helps individuals become intellectually mature. Therefore, the development of reading culture is one of the key factors in raising the overall cultural level of society.
Main Part
1. The Essence of Reading Culture
Reading culture encompasses respect for books, the need for reading, the ability to choose the right literature, analyze the text, and draw practical conclusions from what has been read. Societies with a strong reading culture demonstrate high levels of knowledge, enlightenment, intellectual development, and critical thinking.
2. The Impact of Reading on Personal Development
Mental development: Reading strengthens brain activity, improves memory, and enhances thinking skills. Language growth: A person who reads regularly gains a richer vocabulary and develops the ability to express thoughts clearly. Spiritual enrichment: Literary works shape moral values, expand spiritual understanding, and strengthen ethical qualities. Creativity: Reading enhances imagination and develops creative thinking.
3. The Impact of Reading Culture on Societal Development
In countries with a high level of reading culture, science and technology develop rapidly, competitiveness increases, and an enlightened generation emerges. Societies where people read actively tend to have higher levels of literacy, culture, respect for the law, and social engagement.
4. The Relevance of Promoting Reading Among Youth
Today, spending excessive time on smartphones and social media has weakened the habit of reading among young people. Therefore, promoting reading through educational institutions, families, and society, as well as strengthening library activities, is extremely important. Young people who develop a love for books grow into knowledgeable, morally mature, and thoughtful individuals.
5. Ways to Improve Reading Culture
Encouraging interest in books within the family
Organizing reading weeks in schools and universities
Modernizing the activities of libraries
Expanding the use of electronic books and audiobooks
Conclusion
Reading culture is one of the most essential factors for the intellectual and spiritual development of society. Reading broadens a person’s thinking, enriches their worldview, and shapes their approach to life. Moreover, societies with a high level of reading demonstrate strong cultural, scientific, and developmental capacity. Therefore, every individual, especially young people, must strengthen their need for reading and make books an integral part of their everyday life.
References
1. Abdulla Avloniy – Turkiy Guliston yoxud Axloq
2. Speeches of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and materials on spirituality
3. Reading Culture and Its Role in Social Development – collection of scientific articles
4. Abdulla Qodiriy – O‘tkan kunlar, a source of national literature and spirituality
5. Modern textbooks on pedagogy and spiritual studies
I am Satimboyeva Risolat Ilhomboy qizi. I was born on 16 February 2007 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region. I am currently a first-year student at the Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies in Tashkent city. I studied at School No. 12 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region and participated in numerous academic olympiads, winning honorable 1st and 2nd places.
I hold several international certificates in Russian and Turkish languages. I have also worked as a tutor, teaching students Russian, and I can speak both Russian and Turkish fluently. During my school years, I actively took part in reading competitions and was repeatedly awarded certificates in the “Best Reader” and “ exemplary student” nominations.
I participated in intellectual competitions such as “Zakovat,” advancing to the regional level. My photos were displayed at school as one of the most exemplary young readers and role-model students. I am the holder of many certificates and also frequently participates in literary anthologies. In my free time, I write poems and continue doing so; one of my books has already been published.
Reaching this level at the age of 18 is largely due to the support of my parents and grandmother, whose encouragement has played a significant role in my achievements.
My heart is fragile and an abyss of memories lies beneath My feet…
The pillar of your absence on the line of the sky
Tenacious connection of your memory, is the hateful Certainty of the final.
The fact that you only remain in my memory
Sometimes, it’s hard for me to breathe, I feel the weight of loneliness,
That floods my soul
Everything about you is an oratory, taking you to heaven You are here, in my dreams.
If a part of me didn’t hide like a wounded beast
If a part of me didn’t deny the lease of my soul and your absence If a prescribed part of me didn’t include the pauses and the silences. Then, my dear husband, I could smile without missing you so much…
December 6, 2025 Buenos Aires
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 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.
I had been riding a boat since I was a child, letting the two oars carve a path through rough seas.
One day, when the boat was damaged and brought back to the beach, a boy from the firefly village told me that a woman had sent a postcard. How she knew where I was remains a mystery to this day. After a long phone conversation, she came to that remote village. Together, we repaired the damaged part of the boat using the stylish metal fittings she had brought with her.
The time we spent that early morning, working side by side, passed in an instant. She spoke to me about trends and later, the fleeting nature of those trends was proven true. Perhaps she, too, was searching for her own path.
I came to understand everything only later: my path was not somewhere out there, but my own life one I could not control. I am writing this poem to tell her that. But at that time, we were so absorbed in each other that nothing else existed.
We faced each other, feeling as though we had drawn closer to ourselves. As the day ended and the boat grew dark, we slowly synchronized the flicker of our souls with the fireflies of the village on each other’s skin, in each other’s hair. Since we were going nowhere, the boat became filled with a rich, inner silence.
Biography of Taro Hokkyo
1998 Rekitei Shinei Award in Japan.2021 Arab Golden Planet Award. 2022 Awarded the title of Doctor of Letters from the Arabic-speaking world.2023 My poems are published in Orfew.al magazine in Albania. Also translated into Italian2024 My poem is published in the Daily Global Nation in Bangladesh. My poems published in Samantaral Bhabna, India. Interview with an Algerian newspaper is published. My poem is published in Greek Police Magazine. Received a certificate of honor from English poets. Published in a Korean magazine.
Published in Koltaka jishu International Poetry Magazine, India. My poem is published in a Greek e-magazine. My poem is published in the Barcelona Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Poetry Planetariat, a Nepalese poetry magazine. My poetry collection is published in Bengali-speaking countries. Three of my poems were published in India’s Half-yearly magazine. Three of my poems were published in the Raft of Dreams Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Hyperpoem in Nepal.
