(Young Central Asian woman in a black coat with buttons on the sleeves and a white frilly blouse, seated in a cafeteria with yellow chairs).                                                 

A NEW DAY

Dewdrops dance on leaves, in gardens nestled so deep,
Softly drifting, clouds above sing lullabies in sleep.
Like the scent of a tulip, sorrow lifts from the soul,
While grandmas pray for peace and health, making the people whole.

Grass blades greet us warmly, heads risen in delight,
Listening to the cranes returning, crying through their flight.
In emerald green that charms the eyes, they reach toward the skies,
Sunlight glimmers on each bud like gold in children’s eyes.

Some have lived to see these days, and some have not, it’s true,
But spring still whispers words of joy that gently pass on through.
From parents’ heartfelt blessings bloom joy and inner grace,
And on the sky of fate we see youth’s star take its place.

With spring anew, a brand new day, forget the shadows past,
Let pure intentions simmer like sumalak in the pot at last.
Let kites that soar in skyward flight sweep grief from every heart,
And let us share the blooms of love, together, never apart.

Welcome back, O Spring, to my land! You’ve brought such dazzling cheer,
For the sixteenth time I face you, smiling with eyes so clear.
How many times we’ll meet again, I do not truly know,
But angels built a palace in my soul for you to glow.

Gulmira Ravshonbekova, daughter of Ruslonbek,was born on August 29, 2005, in Khiva city, Khorezm region.Currently, she is a second-year student at Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni. She is a recipient of the “Ogahiy Scholarship” and the “Governor’s Scholarship”. Her first collection of poetry and prose, titled “Love for Enchanting Words”, has been published.She is a winner of several international, national, and regional Olympiads and competitions. Gulmira is also a member and certificate holder of the “Kyrgyz Poets and Writers Fund” of the Kyrgyz Republic. Additionally, she represents Uzbekistan in the international organization “National Human Rights and Humanitary Federation”.Her academic and literary works have been published in journals and anthologies in countries such as Germany, the USA, Turkey, Canada, India, Poland, and others.                                                                                             

First of all, we’re sharing the new project of young leader Muslima Olimova. The online platform Muslima Academy is a secular youth-led educational initiative empowering students with digital skills, international opportunities, and career readiness. More information here.

Also contributor Christopher Bernard has work included in the new summer issue of literary magazine Caveat Lector. Secondly, contributor Timothee Bordenave will have his painting Carte a Jouer auctioned off at L’Olympia.

Disabled contributor, lyric essayist, and ALS activist Katrina Byrd suffered hurricane damage to her home and seeks support to rebuild and make ends meet while she’s getting ready to move. Whatever folks can contribute will make a real difference.

South African poet and essayist Abigail George, whom we’ve published many times, shares the fundraiser her book’s press has created for her. She’s seeking contributions for office supplies and resources to be able to serve as a speaker and advocate for others who have experienced trauma or deal with mental health issues.

Also, the Educational Bookshop in Jerusalem, a store that has the mission of peaceful dialogue and education, invites readers to donate new or gently used books (all genres) that have been meaningful to them, with a note enclosed for future readers about why the books were meaningful. (The books don’t have to be about peace or social justice or the Mideast, although they can be). Please send books here. US-based Interlink Publishing has also started a GoFundMe for the store.

Writer and playwright Gina De Vries has been awarded a fellowship to receive professional coaching from the Lambda Literary Foundation for her drama exploring and challenging the “Doom Loop” narrative about American cities. She’s raising a small amount of cash to cover the portion of the cost that she’s expected to cover.

Next, we have a group of young early-career UC Davis academics who hope to attend an important conference in the field of climate science, but need to privately raise cash to replace grant funds that were removed due to changing conditions in the U.S. They’ve been hosting bake sales to make up the difference.

We’re spreading the word about Claire Jones and Amaranthia Sepia and their work through Sista Creatives Rising, creating accessible virtual shows, spotlighting and giving small grants to women of color to pursue their creative dreams. They’ll host a new show this fall, tickets will be available soon, and are inviting people to donate to celebrate Juneteenth! Any donations we receive will help us support our team, speakers and tech needs such as Adobe, Xfinity Emergency Storm Wi-Fi, editing & captioning apps, accessibility support, and more!

Also, we encourage people to consider supporting the Sun Gallery, which is one of the venues hosting the Hayward (California) Lit Hop festival, co-sponsored each year by Synchronized Chaos Magazine. They’re struggling due to the loss of some important grants and facing possible closure, and we would like to give back to the places that have supported us.

Finally, we’re helping out one of the founders of the Secret Spot, a grassroots performance and visual arts collective launched by low-income artists early in their careers. The Secret Spot is temporarily taking a break while she recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Now, for July’s first issue: Hold This World Loosely. These words of St. Paul from two millennia ago remind us that while there is much to embrace in the world, all is impermanent and we can only protect ourselves from suffering by holding on with a loose grasp. However, this flexibility also frees us to appreciate and create positive change.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou describes the freedom found in holding onto life with a loose hand. Yucheng Tao crafts poetry of fleeting moments, consciousness, grief, and beauty. Dustin Pickering expresses his desire to float away with his love, even down to shadows and the abyss. Jason Ryberg’s poetry evokes dreams, memory, and timelessness. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa writes of gales of wind and emotion and the cultural wisdom embedded in a Native American dream catcher. Graciela Noemi Villaverde writes elegantly of a summer train adventure and the need to let go of some of the past to embrace the future.

Welcoming personal and societal change and growth can be a positive thing. Qobulova Gulzoda honors the forward-thinking Jadid leaders in Uzbekistan’s heritage who promoted education, science, and literacy. Gulshoda Jorabekovna Baxtiyorova offers up patriotic praise for Uzbekistan’s current presidential administration and its efforts to promote education, science, women’s rights, and athletics. Xoliqulova Husniabonu reflects on the bravery and dedication of her nation’s historical heroes. Priyanka Neogi urges people to achieve personal greatness by working hard to develop their talents and growing in their character and respect for others.

As an example of scientific research, Davlatyorova Iqbol outlines the medical causes of and treatments for hyperglycemia. Anorov Sirojiddin outlines approaches to treating urological diseases. Turning to the arts, Federico Wardal points out two films, flautist Andrea Ceccomori’s “Anita” and Joe Mantegna’s “Kamilah the Miracle Filly,” which have crossed national borders to be featured in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Italy.

Oyatillo Jabboraliev highlights the value of student exchange programs for helping young people learn life skills as well as cultural literacy. Mamatova Diyora explores ways to help students stay motivated to learn foreign languages they don’t frequently hear. Munisa Asimova reflects on the work of a caring teacher who helped her achieve her writing dreams, and Sobirjonova Rayhona also offers up a poetic tribute to a dedicated teacher. Rakhmonova Diyorakhon discusses the importance of experiential and participatory education for young people. Muslima Olimova announces the launch of her online startup which aims to help young people around the world learn the skills that will prepare them for work and also outlines the advantages of different backend programming languages.

Ibodullayeva Dilnura analyzes the effects of combining online and in-person education. Surayo Nosirova relates her experience with an environmental education project involving young people in solving today’s challenges. Odina Bahodirova highlights the role of environmental education in promoting future sustainability.

Rushana Raupova celebrates the wonder and joy children can bring to the world and her dedication to benefiting them with her life. Aytuvova Khurshida outlines the importance of integrating the latest psychology findings into children’s education.

Mario Loprete renders urban style into the gallery with concrete tributes to rap and culture. Sabina G’iyosiddinova builds upon and expands traditional Uzbek art styles in her abstract work.

Dr. Jernail S. Anand suggests a positive role for artificial intelligence in enhancing human life and promoting pro-social behavior. Tursunova Ismigul suggests strategies, including technology-based platforms, to improve access to healthcare in rural communities.

Speaking of traditional rural villages, Manik Chakraborty revels in gentle, sunny village life. Holding onto the world with a light touch does not mean giving up one’s love for one’s world, heritage or past. Maftuna Rustamova honors the creative legacy of Uzbek poet Zulfiya Khanim. Dilnura Khahhorova affirms the importance of celebrating the traditional culture of Uzbekistan while Bektosh Kenjayev honors the self-sacrificing military heroism of historical tribal leader Shiroq. Iskandarova Dilnoza affirms her Uzbek history and culture in poetry. Mickey Corrigan reflects on the complex and intriguing life of James Bond actor Ian Fleming. John Dorsey speaks in his poetry to American culture, memory, and reflection.

David Sapp expresses thoughtful wonderment and fascination for art and the natural world. Irma Kurti speaks to excitement, love, grief, the sky’s various moods, and summer breezes. John Thomas Allen offers a mystical ode to the esoteric arts. Alan Catlin probes the uncanny side of nature in his surreal poems. Joseph Ogbonna describes a road trip where tension among fellow travelers arose, then dissipated as everyone explored the calm and quiet Nigerian countryside. Saiprakash Kuntamukkala listens to an elegant rainfall. Mahbub Alam reflects on patience and how nature blooms on its own timescale. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund exchange tan-renga lines about mowing the lawn, ants crawling, film noir, and many other topics.

Mary Bone remembers outdoor winter celebrations with friends and family. Brian Barbeito reflects on escaping a garish urban landscape by taking refuge by the sea. Don Bormon speaks to the vast natural renewal each year after the monsoon rains.

Chimezie Ihekuna praises the power of love and expresses a child’s tender love for their father. Elbekova Shohsanam thanks her parents for their constant and sacrificial love. Mashxura Fazliddinova Nuriddinovna offers up a tribute to both her parents. Wansoo Kim speaks to centering oneself and listening to the voices of faith and conscience rather than other less meaningful distractions. Turkia Loucif celebrates family, love, nature and creativity. Rhian Elizabeth’s maybe i’ll call gillian anderson, reviewed by Cristina Deptula, speaks to family and romantic relationships and makes space for love, grief, and change.

Sometimes remembrance is tinged with sorrow. Poet Hassane Ajbouh carries forth an ecstatic spiritual love through writing of his departed beloved. Mesfakus Salahin’s poetry evokes the pain of separation from a loved one amid the hot monsoon rains. Duane Vorhees writes figuratively, yet sensually, of romantic pairings of opposites and of people left longing or bereft after someone leaves. Greg Hill sends up images of fall, loss, and departure, contrasted with a lively preteen sleepover.

Paul Murgatroyd evokes death, decay, and the persistent memory of youth. J.J. Campbell speaks to aging, disillusionment, loneliness, frustration, and despair. Taylor Dibbert’s narrator reflects on the long shadow of his beloved dog’s memory. Leslie Lisbona mourns a friendship of many years that went awry after her friend’s move and some off-base comments. Mirta Liliana Ramirez remembers a person she lost by the sea they both loved. Stephanie Elendu’s short story presents three different characters grieving the deaths of school children in a Nigerian truck accident from three different perspectives.

Mykyta Ryzhykh speaks to love, physical passion, death, the extreme trauma of wartime, and the psychological violence of having to hide a big part of himself. Palestinian poet Ahmed Miqdad looks to death as a release from the extreme suffering he sees in Gaza and Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews him about his writing and his hopes for peace and human rights in the region. Abdulrasheed Yakubu Ladan also speaks to the human suffering in Gaza and the people’s determination to survive. Patricia Doyne lampoons Donald Trump and the state of American politics and the possibility of war. Noah Berlatsky grieves the loss of a loved one to social violence at the hands of laws and lawmakers who said they didn’t belong, reminding us of the human cost of policies.

Yuldasheva Oyshakhon reminds us to cherish our parents while we have them. Bill Tope remembers the unspoken rejection he felt after losing his father. Maja Milojkovic recollects the ways her deceased father made an impact on her life. Dan Flore writes of the lingering effects of divorce on now-adult children. Abigail George reflects on her loneliness and depression when her own mother forgot her birthday, and how she found comfort from looking to writers and the human experience.

Sayani Mukherjee speaks to feeling part of nature’s family, one of the plethora of creatures in a continually changing universe. Mohidil Sultanova evokes the joy, wonder, and community of a vibrant Uzbek street market, where she can feel the pulse of humanity interacting. Mahmudova Sevara uses cuisine as a lens to explore points of intersection between Uzbek and Korean culture. Bazarbaeva Inabat analyzes business connections between Thailand’s media and tourism industries.

Several students cover themes of cultural exchange within the field of linguistics. Hafizullayeva Kamolaxon outlines the influence of Turkish on the Uzbek language. Nigora Abdurazzakova explores cognitive development in children bilingual in Russian and Uzbek. Tojimurodova Latofat discusses ways to help speakers of Russian, Uzbek, and English remember words. Aliasqarova Muslima discusses attitudes towards regional and country dialects in the Uzbek language. Baxtiyorova Feruza’s essay deals with the role of common nouns and verbs in Uzbek and English speech. Berdiyorova Nargiza compares idiomatic expressions in English and Uzbek. Jo’rayeva Aziza explores multimodal teaching methodologies for Uzbek as a foreign language. Odilova Diyora looks into how translation strategies impact the interpretation of culturally specific terms in Uzbek. Sa’dullayeva Dilshoda highlights the role of language preservation in claiming and reclaiming culture and identity. Nasirova Xurshedabonu looks into ways to help students gain confidence in speaking foreign languages.

Sometimes we experience life as if it’s been mistranslated, as if we aren’t sure exactly what’s happening and what to make of our circumstances and senses. Mark Young writes of off-kilter scenes from daily life, observed from a distance. Iduoze Abdulhafiz escorts us through a holographic world of surreal prose. Yongbo Ma recollects a hazy dream about attempting to repair a muddy road, then adding to the confusion.

Christopher Bernard reflects on what it means to age when one never quite fit with one’s own generation.

Ben Nardolilli explores possibility and reality, human minds and our role in the universe, and suggests that we belong here. Wansoo Kim urges us to pull out of selfishness and despair and follow our consciences as guides. Nasir Aijaz perseveres in his life despite society’s many ills. Jasmina Ergasheva expresses resilience and hope for her future. Murodillayeva Mohinur reflects on her determination to rise towards her dreams even amidst obstacles.

Michael Robinson speaks to the new life and healing he has found in Jesus Christ. Eva Petropoulou Lianou expresses a wish for people to choose humanity over greed, and in another piece translated by Sumaya Al-Essmael, urges peace on earth for everyone’s best interest. Azamova Feruza highlights the importance of peace and stability for developing, or all, nations.

Vo Thi Nhu Mai contributes a gentle, tender love story where a young man finally gets up the courage to embrace his first beloved. Isaac Aju crafts a hopeful, second-chance romance. Sushant Thapa’s piece celebrates friendship and art’s power to encourage the soul.

Peter Cherches contributes a humorous poem making a bold claim to its own existence. Svetlana Rostova highlights the power of words and ventures to rewrite her own story. We hope that this issue inspires and frees you to do the same in your own words and media.

WHEN AUTUMN CARRIES HER NAME

At this very moment, you’re in the city, where traffic bustles all around. You wander through the book street, a little lost, stopping now and then to chat aimlessly with a young university student who, just seconds earlier, was staring out the window, perhaps counting raindrops or lost in thoughts that weighed on her heart. It’s autumn in Saigon, though you can’t tell where summer ends or winter begins. All you feel is a mess of emotions, a flood of memories, longing, and affection threading through every bone, aching like winter cold.

To you, she was all four seasons. But you liked to call her Pandora, yours alone. She was Saigon’s rainy and sunny days, tender green, the scent of lotus. She could be Saigon’s fall, Hue’s winter, Dalat’s pine forest, or a foreign ocean shore, you never tried to pinpoint her. All you needed to know was that somewhere, you lived in her heart, and she always reigned in the left chamber of yours. She was a realm of your thoughts, a blooming golden lily, a small alley, and Saigon in autumn.

You closed your eyes, and you were somewhere inside a fairytale garden. Dewdrops sparkled purple and crimson on the grass, reflecting the sunlight filtering through the sky. You wandered around the garden, the sunflowers drooped while the last asters stretched upward, clinging to bloom.

“You’re late,” her voice was soft and warm, like a breath of autumn, like a leaf fluttering gently. Music drifted through the chill air. She was right there, beside you, yet loneliness still lingered in the wide-open space.

She whispered something about music you didn’t fully grasp, but you listened anyway, drawn to the fragrance in her gentle voice. She spoke of rock and pop tinged with wistful chimes, of bittersweet ballads strummed by a distant guitar, of unrequited love, of death beneath decaying trees, and of mournful melodies. The leaves turned golden, and the morning air was brisk and clear. You watched her, so vibrant in a pastoral scene full of allure. Through her voice, music became innocent and luminous. Somewhere, a violin solo began to rise, just a bit more skilful, a bit more joyful and the crisp late-autumn air pulled you deeper into her presence. Her voice, its softness and seduction, merged with the crackle of leaves underfoot. At times, her eyes lit up with a radiant smile.

She wore pale brown boots, a grey knit sweater, a delicate scarf, and a silky A-line skirt. Around her fair wrist, a glittering bracelet fastened with Pandora’s iconic clasp and sparkling stones. In a tender moment, she removed it, handing you a single silver Pandora Moments charm, an emerald star. They said nothing more. Just listened to music playing softly from her tiny phone. You were overwhelmed by a serene intimacy, a sweet romance. The sound was like a soul-deep embrace, one you never wanted to end. You felt a deep, almost aching familiarity, as if nothing in life could surpass this. Listening to heartfelt music, sitting beside a graceful, intelligent woman, you knew then that this was the one you wanted to spend your life with.

When the song ended, all you wanted was to tell her how much you wanted her, needed her, loved her. You wanted to open your arms, pull her close, and place a warm, earnest, and pure kiss on her lips, a kiss of that perfect morning, of youth. Some melodies seem powerful enough to change everything. And yet, you couldn’t move. You just stood there, frozen, until her footsteps faded and only the light rustle of falling leaves remained in the air.

Back in the city, you couldn’t forgive your own hesitation. A block of ice had formed in the middle of that floating autumn. The discomfort lingered for weeks, then months. Every time you woke up, every afternoon after work, every night before sleep, she was there. Her image filled Saigon’s streets, radiant, clear, confident. Autumn passed. Winter came. Seasons changed. Encounters came and went, but your fear never left. You feared shattering the fragile autumn clouds, feared a gust of wind blowing in the wrong direction, feared her scarf wrinkling when the music hit its climax.

You saw her again and again, in that garden, on crowded streets. Each time, you wanted to say something, but the words collapsed inside, your limbs trembled like you had a fever. Each afternoon after work, you wandered aimlessly, mind blank, staring at your coffee cup and a bare wall, ignoring every phone call, never logging into Facebook.

Until one day at the end of August, what strange force gave you the courage to finally hold a girl’s hand, to kiss her cheek softly, scented with purple flowers? That girl, with fair wrists, a gleaming silver bracelet, high heels, and a floral dress. And at that moment, a familiar tune echoed, a gentle fragrance lingered. You were overwhelmed; your heart throbbed as if struck by a sudden storm.

She stood there, watching you and the girl, or maybe lost in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The horizon opened before you in shades, but what lingered deepest was the brown of fallen leaves and the gray of her knitted sweater. The scene was pristine, canopied in green, sky scattered with clouds. It deepened your view of things. And now, every time you return to the city, you ask yourself: Who am I in this life? Why does the Pandora charm in your left coat pocket still glow with warmth? And when will you ever forget her, especially when autumn returns to Saigon?

Võ Thị Như Mai is a Vietnamese-Australian poet, translator, and cultural contributor currently living in Western Australia. Her writing explores themes of memory, identity, diaspora, and the quiet power of everyday life. With a deep love for both Vietnamese and English literature, she often bridges the two through translation and creative expression. Như Mai’s poems have been featured in various literary platforms, and she actively participates in international poetry and cultural exchange events. Her work is marked by sensitivity, lyrical grace, and a strong connection to her cultural roots. Her work was featured in BRUSHSTROKE WA 2023 and in recognition of her contributions to cultural and literary exchange, she was recently honoured by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Australia for promoting Vietnamese literature and arts abroad

A Devoted Soul
(To the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev)

You burn with care both day and night,
For your homeland, you bear the pain.
Even the sharpest, finest pen
Would fall short trying to explain.

You’re a true heir of Amir Temur,
We’ve seen justice’s mighty reign.
The people pray with lifted hands,
For you have shared in all their pain.

You have sought the children’s future,
Your Five Initiatives show this well.
Science and high spirituality—
The only paths where hope may dwell.

Culture shows our humanity,
And sport ensures our health today.
This age we live—technology’s own,
Let readers’ numbers rise, we pray.

“A woman is the world’s stronghold,” they say,
Now they are under the state’s protection.
Thanks to you, their worth has risen,
You’ll live in history’s reflection.

Today our homeland shines with pride,
Sky-touching buildings rise so tall.
Great minds like Navoi and Sino,
Would smile to see our youth at all.

Because of you, our skies are clear,
You lead us swiftly toward success.
For our nation’s growth and glory—
Know we stand with you, nothing less!

Gulshoda Jo‘rabekovna Baxtiyorova was born in 2004 in Bogʻot district of the Khorezm region. From 2011 to 2020, she studied at Secondary School No. 17 in Bogʻot district. She actively participated in the “Knowledge Competition” in the subject of mother tongue and literature, earning honorary places. In 2018, her poetry collection titled “Ona yurtim” (“My Homeland”) was published. From 2020 to 2022, she studied at the academic lyceum under Urgench State University.

In 2022, she became the winner of the regional stage of the Science Olympiad in the subject of mother tongue and literature and actively participated in the national stage. Currently, she is a 3rd-year student at the Faculty of Philology and Arts at Urgench State University. Under the scientific supervision of Nasiba Jumaniyazova, Candidate of Philological Sciences and Associate Professor at Urgench State University, she is conducting research on the works and unique characteristics of the Tajik poet Asqar Mahkam. Her scientific articles have been published in prestigious journals in Indonesia, India, the USA, and Germany.

She is an official member of Kazakhstan’s “Qo‘sh qanot” Writers’ Union, Egypt’s Iqra Foundation, the All India Council for Technical Skill Development, the National Human Rights and Humanitarian Federation, and the Global Friends Club. She has successfully completed training courses organized by the International Europe Academy, Great Learning Academy, and UNICEF.

CROWNING BLOWS

Our founders didn’t plan a standing army.

Said, “Keep your guns. If ever we’re attacked,

fight back.” And yet the Continental Army

grew and grew. Today, its job is clear:

safeguard citizens from threats and harm.

Don’t be the threat—tear-gassing protest groups,

or shooting rubber bullets into crowds

to punish rebel rallies, menace them

with National Guardsmen, troops of tough Marines.

The army wasn’t meant to be an axe–

behead dissent, make Presidents into Kings.

President craved a warrior parade—

like North Korea’s storm-troopers and tanks.

So on his birthday, he has big, big plans—

impress Blue States, the MAGA crowd, the world

with how much fearsome force he can unleash

by snapping fingers. He—the chief, the star!

His birthday falls on an auspicious day.

He’ll mark the army’s anniversary

like no one’s ever seen– a huge parade!

Intimidate with grim, jackbooted troops.

a $45 million birthday bash!

June 14^th dawns hot, with drizzling rain.

So what? The show goes on. And on. And on–

down D.C. streets. The smattering of folks

that wait and watch are silent. You can hear

one hundred thirty tanks go squeaking by,

thirty-four horses, two old army mules.

Here come the hand-held drones, and robot dogs

whose jerky marching entertains the kids.

Platoon upon platoon in serried ranks–

Six thousand soldiers saunter past in camo,

walking out-of-step. Some even wave.

“The tone’s all wrong!” the pissed-off POTUS roars.

“I wanted troops that paralyze with fear.”

Berates his birthday present. Showers blame.

Looks glum, and naps. Some VIPs watch, yawning.

News videos show empty rows of bleachers.

Empty folding chairs outnumber full.

But he rewrites the pricey flop. Invents

a madly cheering mob! Huge numbers! Huge!

Meanwhile, all across the USA,

two thousand towns or more host record crowds–

Five million demonstrators fill the streets

with heartfelt, home-made protest signs and feet.

In Utah, wheelchairs leave the nursing home

and roll out on the streets to wave their flags

and question health-care cuts, their lives at stake.

Red States, Blue States, finally one voice:

       No one’s paying me to resist Fascism.

       If there’s money for a parade,

there’s money for Medicaid.

       Eggs are scarce, ‘cause chickens are in Congress.

       OMG, GOP! WTF?

       Even Ikea has better cabinets.

       Take a stand now, or bow down later.

       A King? No FAUX-king way!

No Kings! No Kings! Chains of human resolve

stretch for blocks. In some cities, for miles.

Peaceful, but expressing deep concerns:

immigration seizures, health care, tariffs,

Social Security, free speech, civil rights.

Over it all, the war cry of democracy:

we’re not the pawns of power. We are free.

No Kings! No Kings! You hear our voice? No Kings!

TRUMP’S WAR

Operation Midnight Hammer included seven B-2 Spirit Bombers, 125 total aircraft, and more than 75 precision guided weapons…

The largest operational strike in U.S. History.” –CBS News, 6/2025

Yo, Trump! Did you start World War III today?

Iran and Israel have been at odds.

So Netanyahu winks at Trump and nods.

Trump plans a strike, and stealth bombers obey.

We bomb three nuclear sites without okay

of Congress. Unprovoked attacks– Ye gods!

Will this uplift his sagging polls? Or prod

a larger war— a Middle East melee?

“Bone spurs” exempted him from wartime action

He thinks combat’s a cinch. His ace? The Bomb.

His lame parade’s eclipsed by this distraction.

Great press: Trump leads with boldness and aplomb!

Thinks war’s a lucrative, if lethal, sport.

He may yet build that swank Gaza resort.

TRUMP’S WAR: IRAN’S RESPONSE

After the bomb-strike, swift retaliation. 

Well, what did you expect? A medal? No!

You killed civilians! Bombed our towns! And so

your rationale rings hollow to a nation

using uranium for power, not bombs.

U.S. Intelligence confirms these facts.

Yet you join Israel’s feud, committing acts

of war! To flex your muscles? Vietnam’s

a faded memory? Afghanistan

forgotten? There are stand-offs no one wins.

We sign a nuclear treaty meant to ban 

nuke weapons. But it’s you, Trump, who rescinds.

Now you slap our face and think you’ll run?

Run fast! A bloodbath threatens everyone.

Firelight

The firelight warmed our toes

on a frosty night.

Fall had arrived.

There was a chill in the air.

We toasted our glasses

as a cold front hit.

Rain wrapped Tornado

A rain wrapped tornado

swirls around high in the sky.

Dark clouds

hover overhead.

Taking shelter,

we are spared from the storm.

Mary Bone has been writing poetry and short stories since childhood. Some of her poems have appeared in Synchronized Chaos, Poetry Catalog, Literary Revelations, Active Muse Journal, Blaze Vox Spring Journal of Voice and other places. Upcoming poetry has been accepted at Feed the Holy and Our Poetry Archive.

KOREAN CUISINE
By: Mahmudova Sevara Doniyor qizi
Student of the 4th year, Korean Philology
Kimyo International University

Annotation:
This article presents a selection of Korean dishes. It also explores certain aspects of Korean food culture.

Keywords: Bibimbap, Bungeoppang, Hotteok, Liliya Tyan

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Introduction:

Today, we can observe that some Korean dishes and the ingredients needed to prepare them at home — including salads — are becoming increasingly available in stores. Korean eateries and restaurants are also growing in number. Why is the interest in Korean food increasing year by year? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this trend.

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Main Body:

One of the most popular dishes among Koreans and foreigners alike is bibimbap. With its colorful presentation, it is visually appealing at first glance. Professor and physician Kang Je Hon stated that this dish is very beneficial for health. “It is made with rice, various green vegetables, and small portions of fish or meat,” he explained. Due to its low calorie and carbohydrate content, as well as its attractive appearance, it is also widely consumed by foreigners.

Bungeoppang is one of the popular winter snacks. It is shaped like a fish and made from dough using a special mold. There are many varieties, such as pizza-flavored, cream-filled, chocolate-filled, and more. This dish has even appeared in Korean dramas (K-dramas), through which many drama fans have come to know it. Since it looks similar to ingeoppang, people often confuse the two. However, there is a difference: bungeoppang has a thick, crispy crust, while ingeoppang has a thinner, oilier dough. They are entirely different snacks.

Another popular winter snack is hotteok. It originated from bread consumed in Turkey and India and entered Korea via China along the Silk Road. It is entirely different from the American hot dog. Visually, it resembles khachapuri, which is often seen online. The dough is leavened and filled with brown sugar, honey, and sunflower seeds. There are also versions filled with vegetables, cheese, and kimchi. This snack has recently gained popularity among Americans and is well-liked by many.

Liliya Tyan, a Korean-Uzbek featured on “Voice of America,” is the owner of the “Cafe Lily” restaurant. In 2006, she won the Green Card lottery and moved to the U.S. with her family. She later opened her own restaurant, “Cafe Lily.” What sets her restaurant apart is its unique menu, which includes Korean, Russian, and Uzbek dishes. “Uzbeks have lived with Koreans for a long time, so especially the elderly remember Korean food fondly,” said Liliya Tyan. Her restaurant has even been featured in The New York Times.

Koreans have a proverb similar to the Uzbek saying: “Hot cuts hot, cold cuts cold.” That’s why Koreans eat hot foods in summer and cold foods in winter. For example, they eat ice cream in winter, just as Uzbeks drink hot tea in summer. Some even eat ice cream after spicy foods because of a belief that consuming hot food in summer increases body temperature, helping the body adapt to the heat.

Koreans also have a cultural habit of asking, “Have you eaten?” when greeting one another — similar to how Uzbeks say, “How are you?” This style of greeting dates back to the war period in Korea, when famine was widespread. People would greet each other by asking if they had eaten, and over time, it became a cultural norm.

There is also a cultural custom related to the apple fruit. Among peers, if someone makes a mistake and wants to apologize, they offer the other person an apple. This symbolizes asking for forgiveness.

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Conclusion:

The history of Korean cuisine dates back centuries. Many of its dishes have developed over time. There is limited information available in Uzbek on this topic online. With further study, we can find many Korean foods that are beneficial to health — even useful in medicine. Their dining etiquette and food culture also share similarities with that of Uzbeks.

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References:
Books:

• Kim Seon Jung, Park Sung Tae, Kim Sung Su – Self-Study Guide: Korean for Uzbek Speakers, Level 2

Web Sources:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy1WjUtc8eo
2. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=http://blog.naver.com/kfdazzang/223353033219%3FfromRss%3Dtrue
3. https://m.blog.naver.com/dkcaihong/221781366287
4. https://www.amerikaovozi.com/a/cafe-lily/5890303.html