Poetry from Dr. Ahmed Al-Qaysi

Older Middle Eastern man with a big hat and reading glasses, a suit and dark coat, standing in front of a textured painting of a woman in grey with a yellow umbrella.

And jasmine remains white,

no matter how treacherous the seasons may be.

Like the heart of a child is your heart,

and like your presence in my life — a secret of eternity,

planting in my heart roses that never wither,

no matter how many years pass over them.

You are a melody that never loses its glow,

no matter how tired the fingers grow,

a pulse that never fades, even in the fiercest storms,

O child of my heart.

When you draw near, words fall silent

out of reverence for your presence,

time becomes perfumed with your gentle scent,

and I feel as though I breathe another life

within your heart.

Like rain after a long thirst,

in you I find the meaning of purity

when purity is lost in this world.

You are warmth when winter betrays me,

a refuge for gentle souls when the dark winter night frightens them,

and the heart’s reassurance

when souls tremble.

Your love remains pure in my heart,

no matter how fierce the storms may be.

You are my homeland and my light

when the path is lost.

The song of my heart,

and the song of the soul when silence fails it.

In your eyes, I find both safety and wonder.

My wish, my little one —

in the warmth of your hands

I discover that time can stop

in reverence for a sincere moment.

O purer than all the verses poets have written,

secret of dew and whiteness of dawn,

you are the branch leaning over

the balconies of Damascene shanashil,

over ancient windows and doors,

O fragrance of jasmine.

Your presence with me

turns all seasons into an endless spring.

And jasmine remains white,

no matter how treacherous the seasons may be.

Poetry from Slobodan Durovic

Middle aged Eastern European man in a  brown coat and eyeglasses outside on  a sunny day.

NESUČELNI SUĐENICI

Nerazvejan na repove konjma 

po predelu šupljem ko sačma

kad jezgrom otvori crno oko

pa belim usijanjem se raspe

tako te ljubljena polulud iskah

dok cela vaseljena mi se ruši –

zgromljen iznutra od groma

ko nepokajnik pred Zidom plača

pod zemlju ukopan, a skokom

hoće nimbus tvoje čari da naspe

iz studenca, između dva vriska

mog i tvog neodaziva u tmuši –

Okrenula si se plamteća kometo

a nisi Euridika, čežnja da te mori

niti ja Orfej no hiljadita žica

na harfi, izbledela od haba

neukog carića što je svračka

podražaj slušao mesto slavuja –

pa ko propali muzikant svetom

glavinja, osrednjak koji se bori

da njegovo naličje vide s lica

i po trbuhu lupa se, ko dabar

a svi zvižde jalova da se tačka

što prije okonča, ta bujad –

Koja divne cvetiće bi da potre

i grmuše s lati što se glasi:

jedino si me ti slušala revno

uhlebljem bila što me hlebi

ko kad se od žbuke umeša cigla

koju su prokleli zidatri, vrgli –

ko najurenog trubača sa smotre

što više nigde da se skrasi

ne može – svud za prekorednog

drže ga, premda svija se tebi

zmijom ne bi li ga zmajem digla

iz tame adske božanskoj kugli –

UNFRIENDLY JUDGES

Unswayed on horse tails
through the hollow landscape like a shot
when the core opens a black eye
then crucifies with white heat
so I, your beloved, half-mad, have cried out
while the whole universe is collapsing to me –
crushed from within by thunder
like an unrepentant man crying before the Wall
buried underground, and with a leap
the nimbus of your charms wants to rise
from the well, between the two screams
of mine and your unresponsiveness in the gloom –

You turned, a flaming comet
and you are not Eurydice, longing to torment you
nor am I Orpheus but the thousandth string
on the harp, faded from wear
of the ignorant little emperor who listened to the shrew
as a stimulus instead of a nightingale –
and like a failed musician in the world
a hub, a mediocre one who struggles
to see his reverse side from the face
and beats his belly, like a beaver
and everyone whistles in vain so that the period
can end as soon as possible, that bujad –

Which beautiful flowers would you like to chase
and bushes with a lati which reads:
only you listened to me zealously
you were the bread that breaded me
like when a brick is mixed from mortar
which the masons cursed, threw –
like the most decorated trumpeter from the parade
who can no longer settle down
-everywhere for an outcast
he is considered, although he curls up to you
like a snake in order to lift him
like a dragon
from the darkness of hell to the divine sphere –

Poetry from Mesfakus Salahin

South Asian man with reading glasses and red shoulder length hair. He's got a red collared shirt on.
Mesfakus Salahin

Everything is Dead

‎Even in a city where there is no clock, time walks

‎The sun melts and night falls in the womb of time

‎Time learned to walk, long before the clock was born

‎You were born before it

‎And I was born before you

‎Our love was born even earlier.

‎I wanted to touch the language of your fingers

‎Billions of years ago, waiting for my fingers

‎The limit of distance was infinite determination

‎I haven’t touched you yet

‎I’m running like a cloud

‎I’ve written so many poems by borrowing the blood of the sun

‎I have written miles upon miles of poetry in your eyes

‎My gaze is not tired

‎Everything is dead in the house of the dead

‎Not a single poem has found the address of your heart.

Poetry from Timothee Bordenave

Young white French man with short brown hair, stubble of a beard and mustache, and a brown scarf, holding a giant seashell up to his ear.


An adventurer, at home.

The soft, suave scent, of these burnt lavenders,

Dwells my mind, whilst I quietly write this poem,

In my living room, books and paintings, masks and gems,

Just keep still… All around the silence reigns over.

Blessed be, o Lord ! Thy peace, granted to a poor boy,

Came with the faculty to work, and learn your books…

I can pray now Thy love, in this shrine full of joy,

Rich refuge for my life, which I am glad none took.

There are the jewelry, tailored clothes, lithographs,

Sea shells and silver lamps, ivories, or gold rings…

All reminding of past battles. – My humble being.

Then I will read the Psalms, the Gospels and some Saints !

Before writing a stance, a try, until I faint…

To express gratitude ! As for an epitaph.

*****

A Christian poem.

When I pray Thee o Lord, my voice, humble but proud,

Raise inner, for Thou knows everything of me,

Then I try to write down, speak up, but never loud,

No for we are not much. Before Thy great army.

We are children to Thee, though. Salt grains for the Earth…

We are friends to the birds, colorful like flowers…

We can be good workers, until the last hour,

We can be good servants if we know what we’re worth.

The paradise immense, where will live forever,

Those amongst us who choose to be His believers,

Is like the treasure a peasant finds in a field…

Soon this field acquired, then the riches revealed,

Everyone will think this person has been wise.

Be pious, be gentle, love, hope… – Jesus advises.

*****

The poet plans for work.

You see me now, well quiet, at my library desk !

Director here. Further, I hear cars passing by,

Further, I see grey clouds… The silence is at stake,

Calm, as I read Plato : moments some wish could buy.

Then I take my pen on : I will write for Roma,

For the woman I love, her lips, their aroma…

I will write for Paris, for London, for Madrid,

For a farm in the snow, then for my youth in need.

I want to write again ! For a trip to Jersey, 

On a boat, whilst a storm was raging the Channel,

I want to write about hiking, and this tunnel…

In Geneva when I questioned my survival.

I will write about my past girlfriends – when opals,

Drizzled from their glances on our soft Odyssey !

*****

Timothee Bordenave is a French author, a poet, novelist and essayist. He has published many books both in French and English. A part of his writings has been translated to various languages and published internationally.

He is also a visual artist as a photographer and a painter, whose works have also been widely shown, in France like in many other countries around the world.

Born in Paris, France, in 1984, he still lives in France today, partaking his days between the capital town and countryside properties. He first worked as a library director, before shifting to be a fulltime author and artist. 

His interest to culture and creativity has brought him to be very active in the local French art community, involving himself notably in the organization of art events for his friends.

Essay from Dildora Xojyazova 

Young Central Asian woman with a white blouse and earrings and long dark hair.

Historical Monuments of Uzbekistan: Timeless Witnesses of Uzbekistan 

Uzbekistan, located at the heart of Central Asia, is one of the world’s oldest cultural crossroads. For centuries, it served as a key hub of the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West, North and South. As merchants, scholars, travelers, and conquerors passed through its territory, they left behind not only goods and ideas but also magnificent architectural monuments. Today, Uzbekistan is home to hundreds of historical sites that reflect the rich political, spiritual, and cultural history of the region. These monuments are not merely remnants of the past; they are living witnesses to the rise and fall of great civilizations and continue to shape the national identity of the Uzbek people.

Samarkand – The Pearl of the East

Among Uzbekistan’s historical cities, Samarkand holds a special place. Often referred to as “the Pearl of the East,” Samarkand is more than 2,700 years old and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city reached its golden age during the reign of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, when it became the capital of a vast empire.

The most iconic monument of Samarkand is Registan Square, a grand ensemble of three madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilla-Kori Madrasah. These buildings demonstrate the pinnacle of Islamic architecture, with their majestic portals, intricate geometric patterns, and vibrant blue tilework. Registan was not only an architectural center but also a place of education, public gatherings, and intellectual exchange.

Another remarkable monument is the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur and his descendants. Its massive turquoise dome and elegant interior symbolize the power and ambition of the Timurid dynasty. The mausoleum later inspired the design of other famous structures, including the Taj Mahal in India.

Bukhara – A Living Museum

Bukhara is often described as an open-air museum, as it has preserved its historical layout and monuments remarkably well. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Bukhara was once a major center of Islamic theology, science, and trade.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Bukhara is the Poi-Kalyan Complex, which includes the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. The Kalyan Minaret, standing nearly 47 meters tall, was built in the 12th century and has survived numerous invasions and earthquakes. Legend says that even Genghis Khan was so impressed by its beauty that he ordered it not to be destroyed.

Another significant site is the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel that served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for centuries. Within its walls, political decisions were made, cultural life flourished, and the fate of the emirate was determined. Walking through the Ark today allows visitors to imagine the daily life of medieval rulers and scholars.

Khiva – A City Frozen in Time

Khiva, located in the Khorezm region, is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Central Asia. Its inner city, Ichan-Kala, is surrounded by massive clay walls and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many ancient cities, Khiva’s historical center remains almost entirely intact.

Among Khiva’s architectural masterpieces is the Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its unfinished yet striking appearance, covered in blue and green tiles. The Juma Mosque, with its 218 carved wooden columns, reflects ancient construction traditions and artistic craftsmanship. Each column has a unique design, some dating back to the 10th century. Khiva’s monuments reflect the cultural identity of Khorezm, a region that made significant contributions to science, mathematics, and astronomy. 

Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur, is another important historical city in Uzbekistan. 

The Dorus-Saodat and Dorus-Tilovat complexes in Shakhrisabz include mausoleums and mosques associated with Timur’s family and spiritual mentors. These monuments highlight the deep connection between political authority and religious life in medieval Central Asia.

While Uzbekistan is widely known for its Islamic monuments, its territory also preserves traces of pre-Islamic civilizations. The city of Termez, located in the south of the country, was once an important center of Buddhism along the Silk Road. Archaeological sites such as Fayaz-Tepa and Kara-Tepa contain remains of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and sculptures dating back to the Kushan period. These monuments prove that Uzbekistan has long been a land of religious tolerance and cultural diversity. They enrich the historical narrative of the country and demonstrate its role in global civilization.

Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has placed great emphasis on preserving and restoring its historical monuments. Large-scale restoration projects have been carried out, and many sites have been adapted for cultural tourism. At the same time, efforts are being made to balance modernization with historical authenticity. Historical monuments today play a vital role in educating young generations, strengthening national pride, and promoting Uzbekistan on the international stage. They attract millions of tourists each year and contribute to economic development through cultural tourism. The historical monuments of Uzbekistan are far more than architectural achievements; they are symbols of human creativity, knowledge, and resilience.

From the grand squares of Samarkand to the quiet streets of Khiva, each monument tells a story of a civilization that once flourished and continues to inspire the modern world. Preserving these treasures is not only a national responsibility but also a contribution to global cultural heritage. Uzbekistan, with its timeless monuments, stands as a bridge between the past and the future, inviting humanity to learn from history and value cultural diversity.

Essay from Rakhmanaliyeva Marjona Bakhodirjon qizi

Young Central Asian woman holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a white blouse, surrounded by four young elementary school girls in white blouses and black skirts.

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY PRIMARY EDUCATION
EFFECTIVE EDUCATION AND STIMULATING INTEREST AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

RAKHMANALIYEVA MARJONA BAKHODIRJON QIZI

Abstract: This article explores effective teaching methods for primary school students, ways to stimulate interest, and pedagogical approaches. It highlights the use of interactive methods, games, visual materials, and reward systems to enhance students’ active
participation in the learning process.


Introduction
Primary school is the period when a child acquires fundamental knowledge and forms social skills. Therefore, it is crucial that education at this stage is effective, sparks students’ interest and makes the learning process enjoyable. The main task for educators
is to encourage students’ active participation and create opportunities to reinforce knowledge.


Primary education serves as the foundation for a student’s successful learning in later stages. It is precisely during this period that children develop an interest in learning, independent thinking, a thirst for knowledge, and social skills. Consequently, organizing
education effectively in primary school and engaging students in subjects requires a thorough methodological approach from the teacher.

The Principles of Effective Education

  1. Active Teaching Methods
    Young children learn faster through play. Therefore:
    Interactive games
    Role-playing activities
    Group tasks

Question-and-answer methods strengthen their desire to participate actively in the lesson process.
Example:
Solving math problems through the “Who’s Faster?” game, or explaining the content of
a text using the “Find and Tell” technique.

  1. Using Visual Aids
    Younger students master topics better when they see them. Therefore:
    Pictures
    Charts
    Colorful flashcards
    Video materials
    make the topic interesting and understandable.
  2. The Importance of Game Technologies
    Play is a child’s natural psychological need. Play-based learning develops skills such
    as:
    a) Attention
    b) Memory
    c) Thinking
    d) Creativity
    Types of games:
    a) Didactic games
    b) Active/movement games
    c) Logical games
    d) Interactive digital games
  3. Individual Approach
    Since each student’s:
  4. Level of knowledge,
  5. Character,
  6. Pace of learning
    is different, the teacher must choose an individual approach.
    Examples:
  7. Assigning more complex tasks to strong students.
  8. Giving easier, step-by-step tasks to struggling children.
  9. Applying an encouraging approach.
  10. Motivation System
    Praising a student improves their emotional and motivational state.
  11. Oral evaluations like “Excellent!”, “Great job!”
  12. Stars, stickers,
  13. Small gifts
    strengthen their interest in the lesson.
  14. Using Technological Tools
    Modern educational tools:
    a. Interactive whiteboard,
    b. Tablet,
    c. Multimedia lessons,
    d. Online platforms further increase students’ interest in subjects.
  1. Teaching Through Real-Life Examples
    Children understand topics more easily when connected to real life.
    Example:

a. Mathematics: Using market prices as examples.
b. Native Language: Constructing sentences based on daily conversations.
c. Science: Collecting samples from nature.

  1. Learning Environment and Psychological Comfort
    A classroom that is:

a. Bright,
b. Comfortable,
c. Aesthetically pleasing, and a teacher who is kind and attentive increases children’s desire to come to class.

Effective Methods for Stimulating Interest Among Students

  1. Questioning Technique
    Interesting questions, puzzles, and logical riddles increase motivation.
  2. Engaging Introduction
    Starting a lesson with a conversation, video, picture, or short game yields good results.
  3. Mini-Projects
    Assigning small research tasks to students:
    a. A poster on the topic “My Family,”
    b. A presentation about “My Favorite Animal.”
    This strengthens their creativity and independence.
  4. Collaborative Learning
    Working in pairs or dividing into small groups allows them to learn from each other.
  5. Allowing Free Expression of Thought
    If a student can answer as they wish and explore on their own, their interest in learning increases.

MAIN PART

  1. Effective Teaching Methods
    The following approaches are important for effective education in primary school:
    Interactive Lessons: Engaging students in active participation; e.g., Q&A sessions, role-playing games.
    Visual and Audio Materials: Explaining topics through diagrams, pictures, and videos.
    Practical Activities: Laboratory work, experiments, and game-based tasks.
  2. Methods for Stimulating Interest

Games and Quizzes – make the learning process interesting.
Motivation System – creating motivation through praise, points, certificates.
Small Group Work – develops cooperation, idea exchange, and social skills.
Individual Approach – assigning tasks according to each student’s interests and abilities.

  1. Pedagogical Recommendations
    Keep lessons short and dynamic; it’s difficult for young children to maintain focus for long.
    Connect every topic to real-life examples; students learn knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
    Create a positive environment; allow freedom from fear of mistakes and the opportunity to express opinions freely.
  2. Pedagogical Approaches
    The teacher’s role is very important in effective primary education:
    Active Approach – Actively involving students in the lesson process, allowing them to ask questions and find answers.
    Differentiated Approach – Considering each child’s abilities, interests, and needs.
    Project-Based Method – Students learn topics through practice by creating small projects.
  3. Interest-Stimulating Strategies
    Game Methods – Incorporating game elements in teaching knowledge (e.g., quizzes, role-playing, puzzles).
    Visual and Audio Materials – Explaining topics using pictures, videos, diagrams, and interactive boards.
    Motivation System – Encouragement tools like points, praise, certificates, “most active student of the day.”
    Practical Activities – Reinforcing knowledge through experiments and hands-on crafts.
  4. Interactive Forms of Lessons
    Small Group Work – Children solve problems together and exchange ideas.
    Brainstorming – Gathering students’ ideas on a new topic.

Role-Playing – Performing scenes or character roles based on the topic.
Short Tests and Quizzes – Determining students’ knowledge level and increasing activity.

  1. Modern Technologies
    Interactive Whiteboards and Tablets – Make lessons visual and interesting.
    Digital Games and Applications – Gamification (adding game elements) in learning knowledge.
    Videos and Animations – Help explain complex topics easily.
    Online Platforms – Allow maintaining student interest in distance learning as well.
  2. Pedagogical Recommendations
    Keep lessons short and dynamic; primary school students cannot maintain attention for a long time.
    Connect every topic to real-life examples; students learn knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
    Create a positive environment; allow freedom from fear of mistakes and the opportunity to express opinions freely.
    When assessing students, consider not only the result but also the process.

CONCLUSION
Effective education in primary school is directly linked to stimulating students’ interest. Interactive methods, games, visual materials, and motivation systems make the educational process interesting and ensure the reinforcement of knowledge. The task of educators is to encourage the activity of each student and maintain their interest in
learning.


References

  1. Jalolov, B. Boshlang‘ich sinflarda ta’lim metodikasi [Teaching Methodology in Primary School]. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 2019.
  2. Pirogova, L. Innovative Methods in Primary Education. Moscow: Prosveshchenie, 2017.
  3. Smith, J. Engaging Young Learners: Techniques for Primary Schools. London: Routledge, 2020.
  4. Rahmonov, A. O‘quvchilarda qiziqishni uyg‘otish va motivatsiya [Stimulating Interest and Motivation in Students]. Tashkent: Fan, 2021.
  5. Brown, H. Active Learning in Early Education. New York: Springer, 2018.

Poetry from Alan Catlin

Rear Window Anxiety Dream

We’ve been watching the unlikely 

couple a floor below us across an

alley in the city we are living in.

She is extremely well dressed and 

classy looking while he lies around

all day in filthy sweatpants and sports

team shirts drinking beer straight 

from the can while watching Classic

sporting events on ESPN as if they might

be live ones, rooting hard for teams

that have already lost and half

the players are traded, injured or dead.

He is especially exercised when he watches

prize fights that happened in the middle of 

the twentieth century. We’d like to tell him

to just look up the results on Google and save

himself all the aggravation that goes into

watching these guys pound the living shit 

out of each other, but what would

be the fun in that? I wonder if he tries

to place bets on the outcome of these matches

as he seems to be the kind of guy who will

bet on anything like how many red cars will 

drive past the apartment building in the next

hour. My wife says that’s ridiculous but I assure

you, a lot of money can be lost that way and

probably is. Not his money, of course. 

Which may account for all the yelling that 

goes on over there when the woman comes 

home after work. That and the fact their two kids

have been neglected, especially the younger

of the two, a boy, who seems to be covered head

to toe in some kind of grimy mess. The older

child, a girl, is six or so and misses most of

the action at a private school but still senses

the tension between her parents but knows it

is useless to intervene.

My wife speculates he might be the kind of

guy who would have access to the gun we need

for the assassination. I am against approaching 

him but she does anyway. While he thinks about

scoring one for us, she offers to take his kids

swimming at the central park lake. He says fine

and off they go. A while later they come back

but the boy is missing. “Where is Humpy?”

the father asks and the daughter says, “Oh, he

drowned. I tried to save him but it

was too late.” The father freaks out but 

the wife is unconcerned. Uses the opportunity

to grab the clicker and change the station.

Apparently, It’s all she has been thinking 

about for years.  

The father is inconsolable. 

The wife remains unconcerned, watching 

her shows. I say to my wife, “Maybe we 

misjudged those two.” My wife doesn’t seem

to care one way or another now that she 

has scored the assassination gun.

Reconnecting with an Old College Friend Anxiety Dream

All my attempts to reach

my college friend Bernard

were unsuccessful until

I found a number for a camp

North of Utica that only existed

in previous dreams.  I thought it was odd

that there was a phone listed for that camp

as it was too remote to have service.

Somehow, I reached him through a 

phone referral at a pay-by-the night-

hostel in Buffalo run by the Paris 

Review. Bernard was insistent we

meet him right away as they were

after him and what he had to tell me

was Top Secret.  I interpreted his

paranoia to his job working as a T agent 

even if had left that job over thirty years ago, 

Top Secret stuff never  goes out of style.  

Despite my skepticism about the urgency, 

I told him we’d be there as soon as we could 

which was likely to be  many hours from now 

as we were over  half a state away. 

Somehow, we made it to the Paris Review Hostel 

in record time, a little under an hour, and the helpful

desk clerk who looked like, and sounded 

like a clone of Alan Cumming, told us

he’d already left which I thought was 

unlikely as Bernard was missing a leg

and he hadn’t taken his customized

wheelchair.  

Since we were hungry, we decided to

check out Buffalo’s answer to Quincy Market

which was much shabbier and had way fewer

option than the one in Boston. The only

place that had anything remotely edible

was a beef place where we were turned away 

for service as we hadn’t ordered ahead of time.

Just as we were about to give up hope of

finding anything there was Bernard sitting

in a modified shopping cart. “Hurry,”

Bernard insisted, “we have to hurry before

everything closes.” Though it was only

One in the afternoon. I thought

stuff really closes early in Buffalo.

“Look,” Bernard said, in between bites of

a mixed deli meat hero, ”you are the only 

one I can trust to write this story.”

And it was a long story. Two heroes worth, 

at least, and he was still talking.

I didn’t see any way I was going to be able

to recreate what he was telling me as

I didn’t have anything to write on and my phone’s

battery was out of charge.  The more he talked,

the more I was worried, “Does this mean

they would be after me too?”

Laurie Anderson Anxiety Dream

“Everyone in the island was someone from TV

And everyone was saying, ‘Look at me, Look at me!’

Language is a virus.”

Maybe she was in my thoughts after

being signed up to follow her on Facebook 

or just because we were playing Home 

of the Brave, regardless, a mutual friend

assured them that I could access Boer War

funeral music for the requiem she was writing

celebrating a fallen hero.  Despite assuring 

everyone, I had no idea about anything to do

with the Boers, I was one of the wedding party

in rural Mercersburg, Pa, that was convening

in the cellar of the former president of

the prep school’s home. Laurie was about to 

marry a much younger, obnoxious dude the best

mam couldn’t stand and was warning her against.

I’m not sure why she valued my opinion as we’d

never met, but there I was under the asbestos 

wrapped steam heat pipes advising her against

the wedding. Trying to be diplomatic, I said

the prevailing opinion of the guy was that he 

was a creepy, obnoxious, self-involved, two-

faced narcissist but except for that everyone 

liked him.  The best man, who was now the groom,

concurred and it seemed as if the wedding was 

back on only with a different configuration of 

guests and participants. But first, we had to clean up

the grape juice the kids had spilled into the interior

of the hero’s coffin despite my warning them

to stay a good distance away. Luckily there was 

no body inside. Then we had to worry about 

Laurie’s potentially fatal operation on her lower 

extremities.  Everyone but the groom was in 

low spirits but he assured us all that everything 

would be fine now that we had dispensed 

with the inappropriate suitor. I didn’t think so. 

He was carried a gun.

Bardo State Anxiety Dream

I was disembodied in a Bardo

State not unlike the transition way station

in the Japanese movie, After Life.

Instead of being able to choose

a moment in time of extreme

happiness to spend eternity with,

I was about to be transmogrified

into a four-legged furry creature to be

named later. I asked one of the Eternal

Estate Angels if I could choose which

animal and they said, “No.” Empathically.

I asked the angel, who looked like an usher

at a louche movie theater, if I could talk

to someone in management but he assured me

it would be a waste of time.  

“Once it’s  decided, that’s it. No arguments.”

“So, who are these people?”

“The higher ups. Look, don’t worry about it.

It will seem strange at first but after awhile

it will seem normal and everything will be cool.”

While I was waiting for my animal to be

conceived, I floated around for a while, haunting

the places and the people I used to live with. 

Back in the waiting room, I watched a new cohort

of the recently deceased escorted into the Bardo

waiting area. Despite feeling free and easy like

a somnambulist in a waking dream, the constant

influx of new arrivals started to feel threatening

as if an overcrowding situation was inevitable.

I wandered down a shabby, white tile subway

station tunnel looking for a way out but all I could

find was a corridor of doors, all of them locked.

Einstein on the Beach Reconsidered:

a tone poem in five movements

1-

Remember walking in the sand listening

to the Shangri Las postulating theorems 

to the sea gulls, to the shore birds following

the patterns left behind in sand by the untied

laces of Albert’s red Chuck Taylor All Star high-tops

as if what was revealed there contained all

the answers to eternal riddles the avian species

have considered for eons.

2-

Nearby, on the lifeguard stands, counter-tenors

are practicing, their voices eliciting a cacophony

of disharmony that blends with the shrieking

of gulls and the drumming of the garbage men 

pounding the last remaining refuse from trash

cans lining the beach.

3-

A rhythmic chanting from the boardwalk is

a choral equivalent of surf music provided by

untrained voices of both sexes intoxicated

by experimental chemicals and malt liquor

Tall Boys left unattended by careless chaperones

attached to the Keep Kids Off Drugs annual dance.

4-

The unexpected introduction of air horns,

police sirens and spinning emergency lights

interrupts the final repetitive instrumental lines

as illegal bonfires begin to illuminate a crowded stage.

5-

In the vacuum created by arbitrary motion, 

gray matter and noise, the beach becomes 

a desert and the philosopher a stone.