Synchronized Chaos Mid-December 2024 Issue: A Literary Snow Globe

Evergreen trees within a stylized painting of a snow globe.
Image c/o Circe Denyer

Contributing poet Howard Debs’ work has been included in Chameleon Chimera: An Anthology of Florida Poets, which has just been released by Purple Ink Press, including work by U.S. inaugural poet Richard Blanco and notables such as Geoffrey Philp, Jen Karetnick, David Kirby and many others.

Also, contributor Peter J. Dellolio’s new novel The Confession has just been released from Cyberwit.

The Confession is the first-person account of a serial killer on the evening before his execution.  It is literary fiction, and somewhat similar to Naked Lunch by William Burroughs.  There is suspense in the narrative, as there is some speculation as to whether or not the narrator is really guilty.

Now for this issue: A Literary Snow Globe. As with a real snow globe, we watch delicate bits and pieces of creative thought descend and fall wherever they may on the landscape of our world. Each time we shake the globe and let it settle, each time we read these works, we take away something different and view a unique scene.

Daniel De Culla’s poem glories in the exuberance and diversity of human creative expression.

Salihu Muhammad describes stages in his development as a creative writer.

Ilhomova Mohichehra’s poetry probes the creative potential of liminal dream-states, how emotions and imagination can be strengthened when we approach sleep. Mark Young incorporates color, texture, and text into subconscious, surreal images he calls “geographies.”

Jim Leftwich’s poem incorporates vivid imagery and wordplay, referencing animals, landscapes, and celestial bodies. It also includes philosophical reflections on time, thought, and human experience. Catherine Zickgraf’s work explores time, mercy and judgment, spirituality, and gender. Maja Milojkovic revels in the beauty of the world while acknowledging everything’s impermanence.

Duane Vorhees’ poems explore themes of love, loss, sexual intimacy, nature, and self-discovery. Cheryl Snell’s fictional drabbles look at moments of connection, humor, and tenderness, between humans and each other and other species. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa affirms her acceptance of her entire life journey and her acknowledgement of the different parts of her personality and character. Linda Gunther’s short story depicts a woman who finds her identity by finding her calling in life.

Ilhomova Mohichehra ponders the dreary sufferings of life as she stares out at a rainstorm.

Dramatic painting of dark clouds and lightning and black birds over a storm whitecapped sea. A lighthouse on the right beacons with light.
Image c/o George Hodan

Mykyta Ryzhykh’s work offers a glimpse into a complex and troubled inner world through images of childhood, animals, fear, and death. Texas Fontanella’s poem expresses feelings of financial instability, frustration with societal expectations, and a desire for creative and personal freedom. He includes references to pop culture, politics, and literature, often in a fragmented and surreal manner. Mahbub Alam addresses humanity’s potential for great good or great evil and the need to make choices. Sayani Mukherjee speaks to the inner wilds: the vision, beauty, and danger we all carry within us.

Chuck Taylor’s poetry speculates on the nature of chaos, how it does not operate according to a holy book or an algorithm.

Nilufar Anvarova urges everyone to expand their horizons by reading. Kucharova Ugiloy celebrates the power of books and learning to expand one’s worldview.

Numonjonova Shahnozakhon reflects on how wonder and curiosity add color to life. David Sapp approaches outer and inner landscapes as a tourist and explorer, probing an office firing and the idea of his death with the same curiosity as he brings to Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Lawrence Winkler brings a sense of wonder to his trip to the Micronesian island of Pohnpei, exploring the history and culture of the place while witnessing his friends’ mishaps in international business. Santiago Burdon sketches a time and place in his Christmas tale from a rough Italian-American childhood.

Zarshid Qurbonov reads a book out in the grass on a sunny day and reflects on Uzbekistan’s literary heritage.

Farangiz Abduvohidova illuminates the work and life of Uzbek poet and magazine publisher Zulfiyakhanim, highlighting her qualities as a kind human being as well as her writing skill. Murodova Muslima Kadyrovna also honors the legacy of Uzbek woman poet Zulfiyakhanim.

Poster of a Central Asian woman in a colorful blouse with short dark hair. Words underneath her photo in Uzbek discuss her legacy and the years of her life are listed, 1915-1996.
Image c/o Savol Javob

Dilbar Koldoshova Nuraliyevna dreams of becoming a teacher or journalist so as to shape the minds of her fellow Uzbeks towards good. Gulsevar Xojamova highlights the Uzbek Youth Academy’s role in developing the creative potential of many young people.

Ibragimova Rushana outlines various techniques for teaching languages. Aziza Umurzoqova highlights the role of student-directed technology for language learning. Jonpolat Turgunov elucidates the history and value of the Ibrat Farzandlari Project, an online resource for learning foreign languages. Durdona Ibrahimova suggests possible innovative roles for technology and online apps and games in language instruction.

Abdumalikova Mushtariybegim celebrates the Internet but encourages balanced and moderate use of technology.

Fayzullayeva Gulasal outlines technical and financial problems within Uzbekistan’s industrial chemical industry.

Sarvinoz Quramboyeva conveys the daily determination of the Uzbek people to move their society forward. Shodiyeva Mexribon celebrates the hard work, hospitality, and honor of the Uzbek people. Ilhomova Mohichehra praises the kind and hardworking villagers of Uzbekistan. Sitora Otajonova honors the rule of law and social progress and community spirit of her native Uzbekistan. Mahzuna Habibova speaks to her native Uzbekistan as a friend, urging the land to hold onto its freedom and glory.

Farangiz Abduvohidova elucidates the history and culture of Uzbekistan’s Azim Bukhara region as Tuliyeva Sarvinoz describes the Uzbek historical castle monument of Tuproqkala. Ismailov Sanjar describes in detail the shrine of Sa’d Ibn Abu Waqqas in Uzbekistan. Through his photographs of an Afro-Caribbean festival in Boston, Jacques Fleury celebrates the region’s vibrant cultural diaspora while outlining the historical and psychological significance of the Caribbean rara celebrations.

Young Black woman in a sequined costume with a yellow mask and headdress dances in a city street.
Photo c/o Jacques Fleury

Sarvinoz Tuliyeva recollects her Uzbek childhood: fragrant trees on her street, parents baking bread in the oven, her father crying as she grows up too fast.

Alimbayeva Diana reflects on the constant care and provision of her father for her whole family. Zabuna Abduhakim writes a succinct verse of gratitude for her caring parents. Makhmasalayeva Parizoda Makhmashukurovna praises her father’s selfless love and sacrifice. Sobirjonova Rayhona honors her kind-hearted sister. Diyorbek Maxmudov praises her father’s tender love. Azimjon Toshpulatov’s verse honors the warmth and love of her mother. Ilhomova Mohichehra reflects on how blessed and lucky she is to have loyal and caring family members. Akmalova Zilolakhan Akobirkhan speaks to the consistent love and practical care most people receive from their parents. Faleeha Hassan speaks of children in the winter, nourished and warmed by caring parents. Muhammed Sinan offers up a tribute to the love, dedication, and integrity of his father.

Audrija Paul’s poetry reflects the determined patience of a lover as Jonborieva Muxlisa Rahmon reflects on the value of friendship and what you gain by being a good friend. Norova Zulfizar reflects on a love so joyful and nurturing it reminds her of spring’s flowering and her parents’ care. Mesfakus Salahin employs a variety of poetic images to convey a gentle and kind romance. Sobirjonova Rayhona urges her fellow young people to live happy lives and treat their parents with gratitude and respect.

Uzbek historical monument of Bukhara. Stone city plaza with doorways and stairs and a skyline.

Nurullayeva Mushtariy illustrates the heartache that comes when the younger generation does not have compassion for their parents. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva remembers how she began to empathize with and befriended some children who were originally annoying bullies, because she realized they lacked the care of loving parents.

J.J. Campbell reflects on having survived decades of broken dreams, troubled relationships, and abandonment. Yet, as he acknowledges, he has survived. Abigail George reflects on love, loss, mental health, family relationships, spirituality, and her artistic dreams in a prose poem formulated as a letter to her niece. Graciela Noemi Villaverde grieves the death of a husband with whom she shared a tender love.

Z.I. Mahmud explores masculinity and romance in D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers and how various social and psychological pressures drive the protagonist away from his fiancees. Eva Lianou Petropoulou’s poem, reviewed by Williamsji Maveli, explains how both psychological issues and societal problems such as discrimination and violence against women can interfere with loving relationships.

Somber closeup photo of a man in the shadows resting his head on his hand. He's of indeterminate race, we see him from the side.
Image c/o George Hodan

Kass’ piece explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and the lasting impact of a past relationship. Grant Guy’s poetry reflects on daily routine, loneliness, the lack of intimacy, and loss of identity within some relationships.

Chimezie Ihekuna elucidates the struggles of men in his native Nigeria and elsewhere in the world: being disrespected and viewed only as a source of money in an economy where decent jobs are hard to come by. Maftuna Rustamova also reflects on materialism and the tragedy of reducing human value to money. Don Bormon laments the suffering of the poor out in the cold during winter, while acknowledging the beauty and the harshness of nature during winter months.

Sandro Piedrahita’s short story dramatizes another tragedy, the Pinochet regime’s murder of singer and guitarist Victor Jara. Odera Chidume highlights the effects of war in Nigeria on everyday people through his story of remarkably resilient teenagers.

Vernon Frazer’s poems explore themes of wealth disparity, societal decay, and existentialism, often using vivid imagery and unconventional language. Howard Debs reflects on the human and ecological losses of 2024 and the changes many societies are experiencing.

Before we can fully take stock of 2024, though, there are the December holidays.

Pink, blue, yellow and green outlines of stars on a black background.
Image c/o Andrea Stockel

Taylor Dibbert recollects an awkward encounter with a stranger as Doug Hawley’s memorable anecdote recounts a Christmas filled with physical and relational peril.

Brian Barbeito’s poem illuminates the beauty of our world and highlights the importance of appreciating nature and loved ones, at the holidays and any time.

Bill Tope’s short story explores human compassion, connection, and perception. Another of his pieces depicts a kindly Jewish shopkeeper whose gift makes some young girls’ Hanukkah very special.

We hope that this issue will be a gift to you, and that as you read, the particles of snow in our literary globe will land in interesting ways that resonate with you.

Essay from Jonpolat Turgunov

For the time being, I would like to elucidate and describe enough and total information on one of the beneficial and attractive project in Uzbekistan—Ibrat Farzandlari.

Initially, it had better introduce about why this project was named Ibrat Farzandlari-for, there was a great and honourable, admirable individual in the near history of Uzbekistan. His name was Is’hoqxon Ibrat, actually you have a question why? His name has been given to this tremendously effective project-so long as Is’hoqxon Ibrat was a famous polyglot more and more common languages in the world this is why. 

You can see his picture below. 

Painting of a medieval Uzbek scholar with a white turban and a beard and coat and collared buttoned shirt.

Ibrat Farzandlari Project . This project was organized in 2022 year by one of the agency in Uzbekistan —Youth Affairs Agency and its director Alisher Sa’dullayev and Rustam Kariyev -also the international English teacher at Ibrat Farzandlari. This project is totally based on online or remote learning on you tube.

There are more than 22 languages are being taught by internationally expertise teachers. Such as, Uzbek, English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, German, French, Malay, Urdu Arab languages and so on. Surprisingly, Ibrat Farzandlari called over 500.000 passionate and curious youngsters around itself . In the future, it is going to increase the amount of learners up to 1 million and this is just a mind-blowing and respectful action and works. The followers of project is more than 100 .000 on telegram, Ibrat Farzandlari is more active in social and interactive life.

These days, project is being showed its genuine and clear results instantly, coz you know, not every person can learn languages because of financial and disability situations and circumstances, however it is not a numerous problem for Ibrat . It has been opening the gate of opportunities for every young person.

By learning English language, I am able to write this article fluently and perfectly and I attained bunch of achievement on the path brushing my skills upon the languages. I took an exam on national English proficiency test -Cefr -B2 score and these days I am practicing teaching the school students in English language . I learned more things and experiences from the teachers of ibrat , in the light of their charismatic lessons, I immortalized my result as a best learner of Ibrat. I am likely to be a generation of Ibrat Farzandlari.

Not only am I, but everyone. So, the honorable president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoev also supports this project by himself, due to the fact that our president says , we need youngsters or adolescents who can speak more than 3 or 4 foreign languages, in our new Uzbekistan we back up the future of our country who are the teenagers, therefore this project was introduced to the president and our president confirmed this is one of extraordinary and indispensable one. Coz, nobody has to pay to learn or watch the language lessons.

One of the advantages of this project is it teaches rare languages in the world for example Urdu and pushti or malay or Spanish languages, in our Uzbekistan there are few education centers and teachers to teach or instruct these Linguas. I also learned Spanish language during summer three months, until now I have never heard about that language and no adequate data, but my Spanish teacher who is named Makhfuza Ortikova .

She has sufficient expertise in this field and having taught Spanish more than 10 years . She was also the member of international journalists association member . By attending her lessons , I realized that how Spanish language is more and more captivating and attractive language. I filled my world with one new language.

A new era in language learning has begun today. Join this intellectual movement, as this project aims to create bridges between world cultures, enhance communication, and provide the opportunity for smooth interaction from any corner of the world!

The main goal of the project is not just to teach languages but to prepare global leaders from Uzbekistan. To facilitate language learners, the “Ibrat Farzandlari” project has developed the “Ibrat Academy” app. Through this app, learners can not only watch video lessons but also continuously check their language level, complete knowledge-strengthening tests, and enhance their vocabulary interactively. 

Initially, learners need to download the app and create a personal profile. Then, they can subscribe to their language of interest and determine their level through the “Placement Test.” Based on this, the app recommends lessons and test exercises appropriate to the user’s language proficiency. The app can be used both online and offline, with features to download video lessons, files, and topic-related exercise materials for offline use. 

The key to speaking any language fluently is vocabulary. To assist users in this regard, “Ibrat Academy” offers a dictionary of Uzbek words and phrases. The dictionary contains over 100,000 words and phrases, which can be learned through 8 types of exercises. 

The app also features a nationwide “Leaders Board” that is continuously updated. The best learners will be suitably rewarded. To receive unexpected gifts, it is required to download the app, be an active user, follow the project, and participate in the final competition among the top learners of the app. 

In the future, the app is expected to integrate artificial intelligence functions. This will allow for individual interactions with each user. The AI function will check assignments, communicate with the learner, and provide feedback and recommendations on errors and shortcomings. 

There is no age limit for using the app. All language enthusiasts can learn various languages in a simple, effective, and most importantly, free manner. 

A new era in language learning has begun today. Join this intellectual movement, as this project aims to create bridges between world cultures, enhance communication, and provide the opportunity for smooth interaction from any corner of the world! 

The main goal of the project is not just to teach languages but to prepare global leaders from Uzbekistan! 

Here you you can find Ibrat Academy on the Google play store 

Ibrat Academy 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uz.ibrat.farz andlari

About the author

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My name is Jonpolat. I am from Uzbekistan. I live in Andijon. I am 16 years old , studies at the 11 the grade of high school. I can speak 4 languages, Uzbek, English, Russian and Spanish language, it is my common hobby . I learned all of them by ibrat farzandlari project . I am also a teacher from English language. I organized a home school or education center at my home. I wrote an article about IBRAT FARZANDLARI project. I hope you gained enough information. Thanks for your attention.

Essay from Abdumalikova Mushtariybegim

The influence of the Internet on humanity

In modern society, the concept of the Internet is embedded in the mind of almost everyone. Although the first computers and global networks appeared not so long ago, it is no secret that the Internet has already firmly established itself in our lives and mind. People of our time have reached the point where they can not imagine their lives without the Internet. The Internet is the fastest and easiest way to get the information you need at any time. However, like any innovation, it has its pros and cons.

First, letʼs talk about the positive aspects, it brings the distance closer, the information can be found in one place, e-books, online stores, the possibility to save time… So the number of positive aspects. But just as there are two sides to a coin, the Internet has its fair share of downsides. The Internet is making people lazy.
Children are not playing together in the streets like before, some children do not even know who their neighbors are and this is a very sad situation.

Earlier, people used to look forward to serials, movies and cartoons on TV, but now they donʼt know how to use TV. At the same time, the Internet causing a number of serious problems. For instance: stress, depression, sleep disorders, increased anxiety. In addition, while the Internet saves time bringing people closer, some people are wasting their precious time on idle networks. What I mean by this, keep in touch with your friends and loved ones offline, and remember that friendship is a treasure! From time to time, organize days without the Internet and do not lose touch with the real world by getting wrapped up in the virtual world.

Abdumalikova Mushtariybegim daughter of Mashkhurbek.
She is a student of the 11th school of Khojaabad district, Andijan region.

Poetry from Ilhomova Mohichehra

Good people

Because tears torment me,

My aunts really comfort me.

How many nations, worlds,

I am lucky to have you good people.

You keep encouraging me,

You chase away the sadness in me.

You really love me from the bottom of my heart,

I am lucky to have you good people.

The heart beats when you are there,

My enemy will burn from within.

Brothers and sisters remember,

I am lucky to have you good people.

Essay from Makhmasalayeva Parizoda Makhmashukurovna

Central Asian teen girl with short dark hair, earrings, and a dark colored tee shirt.

My hero is my father

My father is my hero. For me, my father is brave, a hero and more than any other warrior. People always praise our fathers. It is true that they were also ready to give their lives for the country. But the person always sacrifices his life for you, his children, his family it is your dad. Do you know our saying “My father-my country”?! This was said to our selfless father. When did your father say no to you? He says the truth, but he does think about your future. I love my dad so much.                                                       

About my family:

There is five girls in my family. But my dad doesn’t separate any of us and treats us equally. I have the only dad in the world. Everyone’s dad is a hero for himself or herself and this is absolutely true!

Writer: Makhmasalayeva Parizoda Makhmashukurovna

Poetry from Mahzuna Habibova

Central Asian woman with short straight dark hair, brown eyes, and a white collared shirt and black pants seated on a rock outdoors with water and green bushes behind her.

My country is in my heart…

When you die – my happiness is inevitable,
Memories are bright inside – your history.
I sing in your arms, my words are triumphant,
Say “oh” every time you take your medicine.

Your height is higher than I value,
The whole world is one world.
Be a light, my country, with my body –
Let’s say saffron to the poor.

If you are told to die with longing –
He is the figure of Babur. – “dodi” in the language.
With the “pen” that conquered the world,
Your prayers will never fade away.

Take care of yourself, shield your freedom,
The beasts are the prey of my sword.
A clot of blood swirled around his chest.
Don’t let it go like that – the sasi of ghanim.

Put a word in the heart – pain from clutching,
Stay intoxicated with freedom.
– Until I stay in your arms forever…
– May I find luck in your arms…

Mahzuna Habibova Aʼzam  kizi. She was born on October 10, 1998 in Jondor district, Bukhara region. Currently a student of Gulistan State University. In Uzbekistan, his first book called “Lines of Longing” was published.
      In this book “I sing my country” there are poems for our readers about the homeland, love for the homeland, love, friendship, nature, parents. We think that the book will surely take a place in your heart.

Poetry from Ilhomova Mohichehra

It’s raining.

When it rains,

I have a lot of questions.

Changed inside,

Gentle winds.

The rain doesn’t stop,

There is no sleep.

Excitement in my mind,

It hurts like hell.

I wish he would stop now

Rustling voices.

Lek did not stop crying,

Cry like a baby.

These noises will stop,

Chehra Khan puts flowers.

Smallpox, tulip, rubella,

Like flowers want.

Ilhomova Mohichehra is a student of the 8th grade of the 9th general secondary school of Zarafshan city, Navoi region.