I find myself famished for mothering marrow from things inside
yet I am a constant consumer of souring sorrows from things outside
thinking maybe I should pick a side
in the quiet corridors of the mind
the heart keeps secrets in its walls
in chambers deep where no one goes
sacred spaces unbound
as hills and valleys sing
a universe untold
conscious through the darkness
the truest version of me knows
as splendid silver wings unfold
the person held within my soul.
Jacques Fleury
Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured and internationally published Haitian American poet, theater reviewer, educator, author of numerous books of essays, reviews, fiction, poetry and literary arts student through Harvard University. He was chosen among over 4, 000 competitors from 83 countries as the Recipient of the International Naji Naaman Literary Prize for Creativity (2026) and a Certificate of Participation for his “…esteemed contribution of poetry to the anthology Water: The Source of Life (Volume IV)” presented by La Fenetre De Paris. — Visit website for bio, books, CDs, essays, articles, short stories & poetry… http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury
From This Charming Lab (reading), Kelly Writers House, West Philadelphia, March 27, 2004
Stoning the Devil
In Baudelaire’s famous prose poem, The Generous Gambler, we follow the narrator, ostensibly Charlie B. himself, as he encounters a mysterious stranger on a Parisian boulevard. The stranger, lo and behold, turns out to be Lucifer himself. Baudelaire depicts him as a man of wealth and taste, who has, indeed, been around for many a long year, and stolen many a man’s soul and faith. Of course, Baudelaire follows him. They get regally smashed, and the Devil reveals to him the secrets of the universe. For Baudelaire, stoning the devil means getting him stoned, wooing him, bringing him into the human fold for a little Dionysian sport. The problem with the Baudelairian method of Satan-handling is that you lose your soul. The Devil corrupts you to the point that right and wrong have no meaning; irony enters the blood and chills it; paradox becomes poison; everybody looks like a leper; and you can’t feel anything. It helps to remember our good old read-it-in-seventh-grade friend Young Goodman Brown. His encounter with Beelzebub leaves him embittered, disenchanted, but at least he still has a soul (or, as much of a soul as a tee-totaling Puritan can have). Young Goodman Brown stones the devil by rejecting him out of hand. Stoning here means throwing stones: even if it be from the glass house of mortal ignorance.
So, somewhere between the Baudelairian and Hawthornian models of Lucifer-human relations, we may find an ideal solution. We can lure the Devil into drunkenness and then bash him over the head with a rock, or we can bash him over the head with a rock and then slip him a joint to ease the pain (mostly our pain, of course). The Devil, the epitome of imperviousness, will go on being the great professional Ironist he is (a bit like Frank Zappa). The reward of this balanced approach for us, as writers, is that we can lure the Devil close to us, just close enough to learn some of his simpler tricks, then send him on his way when he starts demanding blood. Muslims the world over “stone the Devil,” but I fear their ritual lacks a certain subtlety and understanding of Satanic grandeur- how it can be harnessed, refined, made to serve human ends. The Devil, more than any other Being, understands the complexity of existence. I would guess that things are as complicated in Hell as they are here. In the end, what is art but a testament to the complexity of life: manifold levels and layers, perpetually enclosing us in a wide web. One could make the argument that art is essentially ironic, in the sense that it posits unreachable worlds that we long for, but cannot touch. We must face it: art is a Devil’s game. We’re here to play, and we guarantee you it will be more fun than Yahtzee.
Dominique
So many stories are wrapped up in this next poem, some hilarious, some harrowing. It all revolves around a single woman and her phenomenal ability to enthrall men. Her name was, and is, Dominique, and I’ve never met anyone like her. When I met her, I was a high school junior and she was a freshman. She was stunningly beautiful, with a seductive, feline grace that suggested both Lolita and Liv Tyler. This alone wouldn’t qualify her to play such an interesting part in my life and the lives of those around me; there were a lot of beautiful girls at Cheltenham; but Dominique had something more. What do we call that ineffable IT, that compelling magnetism that certain people have? Is it merely beauty, or charisma, or youth? For me, Dominique’s charm lay in all these things, and also in something extra— a certain mischievous glint in her eye, a certain toss of her head, that suggested a sort of supernatural ecstasy, as if she were walking around in a narcotic trance all the time (which, I was later to learn, she was). Dominique was, quite simply, the most compelling female I’d met up to that point. Oddly enough, I didn’t fall hard for her at all. I was able to keep my distance because, to a certain extent, I saw a hollowness beneath the charisma, an unwillingness to dig beneath surfaces and live truly. Dominique for me was a sort of caricature of adolescent sexiness, and I loved her archly condescending smile, but it didn’t pierce me to the bone.
My best friend at the time, however, was absolutely, unbelievably, and pitifully smitten. He hung on her every word as though she was Godhead incarnate, recorded every encounter in an especially prized notebook, and just basically made an idiot of himself whenever she was around. Then, Dominique started dating another one of my friends, simultaneously making me her “Man of the Month,” and things started to get really messy. A fist fight for me outside math class; a death threat; notes for me in the mail inscribed with lipstick, reading “He finds a deep satisfaction in pain; for that pain comes from her”; and other such nonsense. Basically Chris, aka Mr. Smitten, never forgave me for going after Dominique when he was so desperately in love, while Adam, Mr. Better-Attack-Me-Outside-Math-Class, became contrite years later and started randomly showing up at my gigs, camera in hand.
Having given you this background, you’ll probably understand why running into Dominique on a sultry night in the East Village was such a big deal for me. I was lonely as hell in New York, overwhelmed, numbing myself with huge quantities of pot and speed pills. Dominique, for all her cattiness, rose to the occasion and delivered a knock-out performance as supportive friend with benefits. Unsurprisingly, she supported her academic career at NYU by dealing drugs, and I thought it would be fair game to throw that in, seeing as it was honest. Formally, this piece is me trying my best to write like Keats, sort of the same thing William Carlos Williams was doing in his early twenties. For me, WCW’s Keatsian poems aren’t that good, probably because he didn’t know Dominique. She’s a Muse— a real, honest-to-God morsel of madness. Not that I’ve ever forgotten her implacable selfishness, remorseless narcissism and insufferable insularity; but it pays to remember what’s best in her.
Adam Fieled is a writer based in Philadelphia. His books include Equations, Beams, Apparition Poems, Opera Bufa, and Cheltenham. Manuscripts-in-progress include Something Solid and Curiosities.
Katkala — A Priceless Heritage Passed Down from Our Ancestors
The Khorezm oasis has been distinguished since ancient times by its rich history, unique culture, and ancient architectural monuments. One of these historical monuments is Katkala. Katkala is one of the unique historical and archaeological monuments of the Khorezm oasis, covering an area of 9.5 hectares. Various sources dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries contain information about this monument.
Katkala is an important historical source for studying the creative potential, architectural traditions, economic activities, and way of life of our ancestors. According to researchers, the fortress once served as an administrative center. Its formation is closely connected with the historical processes during which ancient states emerged in the territory of Khorezm and urban culture developed.
The defensive structures of Katkala, its fortress walls, and archaeological artifacts discovered there demonstrate the high level of construction and craftsmanship of our ancestors. Archaeological investigations carried out in the area have revealed various ceramic objects, household items, weapons, and remains of architectural structures. These findings indicate that a developed cultural and social life existed in the area in ancient times.
Archaeological research provides valuable information about the way of life of the inhabitants of Katkala, the crafts and economic activities they engaged in, and the objects they used in their everyday lives. In this respect, Katkala is not merely an ancient fortress but also a valuable scientific source that makes it possible to study the material and spiritual culture of our ancestors.
The study of Katkala contributes to a deeper understanding of different periods in the history of Khorezm. Archaeological artifacts discovered at the site make it possible to investigate historical processes not only through written sources but also through material evidence. Therefore, the archaeological research conducted at Katkala is of great scientific significance.
Today, Katkala is valued not only as a historical monument inherited from the past, but also as an important source for studying and preserving the rich cultural heritage of our people for future generations. Every wall, archaeological layer, and artifact of the monument reflects certain aspects of the lives of our ancestors. Therefore, studying, protecting, and preserving this monument is an important responsibility not only of historians but of society as a whole.
Historical monuments are living symbols of a people’s collective memory. By preserving them, we not only protect our past but also contribute to developing historical awareness and respect for the homeland among younger generations. Such monuments built by our ancestors demonstrate their hard work, creativity, and high level of cultural development.
The historical and cultural environment of the ancient city of Kat and its surrounding area is also of particular importance. Since ancient times, the Khorezm oasis has been one of the regions where science, culture, and urban development flourished. This land has also played an important role in the history of world civilization as a place where great scholars emerged.
In conclusion, Katkala is a priceless heritage that reflects the architectural traditions, culture, and historical life of our ancestors. Studying it thoroughly, conducting scientific research, protecting it, and passing it on to future generations is our moral responsibility. After all, a nation that values its historical heritage has a stronger future. Preserving Katkala is an expression of respect for the past, responsibility for the present, and confidence in the future.
My name is Zarnigor Salayeva Bekmamad qizi. I was born in 2007 in Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan. I am currently a second-year student majoring in History at Urgench State University.
I am actively involved in social activities. I am a volunteer of the Girls’ Academy and a volunteer of Khorezm Region. I also have a National Certificate in History with a score of 88%.
new law: real news: cannibal country . . . storage limits I’d be more on board buyer’s market which music video damn autocorrect to qualify all police, reaally hoping changing delete all the memes if thou wouldst be legacy box a patriot and catholic judges, politicians search for ‘baseless’, that screenshots to be expected two offers came first — remember when I liked let’s digitize of the sort spend a year these correlations and pdf’s you were seizing the means some new intel who’d happily see his popes in convict leasing ‘disproven’ are illusory storing here or one presidents comically reinstated asking questions
2
Oh, and by all indications they’re still at large
Can we all take a moment to pause and recognize that our presidents, royals, prime ministers, popes, bankers, spiritual leaders, celebrities, press, directors, producers, writers, poets, actors, artists, models, musicians, captains of science, technology, academia and industry — and lets not forget to mention the armed forces! — were snuggled up in bed with, some literally sandwiched between a cabal who were trafficking children, making torture pornography, descended from those who funded and instigated the holocaust, apparently did 9/11 and Covid, weaponized Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons, were exploring ‘getting rid of all of the poor’, whilst subsisting on a strict diet composed entirely of human flesh?
so the supper club
have a monopoly
on violence
3
provisional
“Apple’s best new sci-fi show just made a shockingly convincing case for cannibalism.” “Wonder Years star ‘embarrassed’ by how much she loved the taste of her placenta.” An anthropomorphized captain crunch reveals a fridge full of his own kind, discernible by frozen googly eyes staring into camera pleadingly. A shiksa has a whirlwind romance with a man constructed of Pringles until the ravenous masses suddenly leap upon and consume him, of which she cannot resist the temptation to partake herself. A young man in a strange occult ceremony is immersed in oil and withdrawn as an enormous hunk of battered chicken deeply fried.
hot tips
will receive a more escalated
non-acceptance
I can only once again report am not loving these growing observable trends. Especially considering how much money, how many resources, the quantity of discussion among so many forces, research and analysis goes into expensive ad campaigns that are highly visible to the public in prime places by huge brands, on prominent platforms… Will just say this is not boding well, that such is considered prudent, lucrative, justifiable by organized capital and big business.
lovebombing
had I juicy details you’d have
a dead man’s switch
4
the high bar
baby mama
. . . Joseph
is a mensch
shell full
of shells whenever
they mention family
keelhauling
I know people in
the background
something taken
something left
holiday snow
wild thyme
the roach’s
molting
* “The Cherry Tree Carol” exemplifies Joseph’s journey from doubt to faith through a miraculous event where the unborn Jesus commands a tree to bend, providing fruit for Mary. It showcases trust in divine will by reversing the Edenic fall, while anticipating Christ’s power over nature, divinity, and his future sacrificial death.”
5
madness acting
inconspicuous
on a summer’s day
hunchback moon
slow snow
driving through
a parking lot
charms . . .
selling something useless, counting
on only half returning it
mulberry bush
tortoiseshell sunning
across the way
sand trap
his back leg
kicks up grass
skulking hare
signs appear for
the next sweeping
lightning round:
the pounding knocks
down another frame
wiping garnet
off base of the glass
napkin darkens
season’s greetings
under the snow
a deer carcass
ouiji
not giving the
unwanted truths
* The name is a blend of French (oui) and German (ja) for “yes”.
Through sleepless nights, her prayers rise for me,
She trusts my future more than I can see.
One gentle look from her becomes a prayer,
For mothers are heaven walking everywhere.
Your name upon my lips makes my voice shake,
A thousand thanks are far too few to take.
Your love—an endless ocean, deep and wide,
When storms surround me, you are still my guide.
You were my mother, father, strength, and light,
Allah’s greatest blessing in my sight.
Shokhida Nazirova — Andijan, Uzbekistan.
Ambassador representing Uzbekistan for several international organizations and a regional leader actively involved in ongoing social initiatives. At the age of 21, she joined Worldwide Professional Women, becoming one of Uzbekistan’s young and promising female leaders.
Through her volunteer work, unwavering determination, and selfless commitment to helping others, she continues to inspire and empower many young people across the region. She is fluent in Italian, German, Russian, Turkish and Kyrgyz.
In the New Uzbekistan, the Voice of a New Generation
Why should I not praise you before the wide world, calling you “my Uzbek,” When my era has granted me the chance to know my true self, my Uzbek.
— E. Vohidov
As I write these lines, two drops of pearl-like tears roll down beneath my glasses. Recently, I traveled to the Tian Shan mountains. Those three days felt like three years. On my way back, the very moment I set foot on my beloved Homeland, my chest filled with the scent of serenity. I felt the taste of peace and happiness. As I got into the car, these lines echoed in my heart:
My Homeland, you are my pride,
The soil where traces of my childhood remain.
You see me off when I leave and wait until I return,
I feel your love like a mother’s embrace.
I have seen many lands, I have seen the Tian Shan,
Yet I understood your true worth even more, my dear motherland.
I do not need Paris and its Eiffel Tower,
A handful of your soil is honor and glory for me!
With these thoughts, I continued my journey. At one moment, I noticed a girl sitting nearby, quietly reading a book. Again, I sank into reflection:
In which country does a president give a car simply because someone reads a book?
In which country does the state reward you by funding six months of education if you learn a foreign language for just two months?
In which country is an entire Olympic town built freely, solely for young people?
The answer to all of these questions is one: Uzbekistan.
Indeed, today Uzbekistan is a country of youth. For the first time in history, practical solutions are being implemented to support the dreams and initiatives of the younger generation — solutions that nurture their pursuit of knowledge, creativity, sports, and a rightful place on the international stage. As a result, every young person today has the opportunity to make their voice heard, to present their ideas, national values, and identity to the world.
Yes, today’s generation is educated, healthy, and confidently proving itself on the global stage.Young Uzbeks are studying at the world’s most prestigious universities — Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and many others. And if we speak of sports, you have surely seen our flag proudly waving atop the world’s greatest arenas at least once. Our young innovators, meanwhile, present their inventions at renowned platforms such as the International Innovation Expo and UN & UNESCO Youth Forums, consistently being in the spotlight of international investors.
Let us speak through simple facts from 2024–2025:
For the first time in history, UNESCO’s General Conference was held outside Paris — and that city was Samarkand. Uzbekistan became the first country to make this happen. Moreover, Uzbekistan became a member of the UN Human Rights Council. International education standards were introduced. Transparency and openness were promoted in politics.
For the first time in history, our female karate and judo athletes stood atop the podiums, bringing chains of medals back to the Homeland. For ten consecutive years, our boxers have once again proven that they are among the world’s strongest. In 2025, our footballers carried the Uzbek nation onto the FIFA stage. At just 20 years old, Sindarov once again proved to the world in 2025 that he is the “King of Chess.”
When we analyze these developments, it becomes clear that in recent years Uzbekistan has secured a strong position internationally as an open, reform-oriented country that ties its future to its youth. Remarkable victories in sports, achievements in science and innovation, young men and women studying at leading global universities, and active participation on international platforms are tangible results of this transformation.
State-led youth policy, investments in education and sports, and cooperation with influential international organizations such as the UN and UNESCO have elevated Uzbekistan’s global standing.
Particularly, initiatives that bring youth rights and opportunities to the international level clearly demonstrate the country’s strategic vision.
Shokhida Nazirova — Andijan, Uzbekistan.
Ambassador representing Uzbekistan for several international organizations and a regional leader actively involved in ongoing social initiatives. At the age of 21, she joined Worldwide Professional Women, becoming one of Uzbekistan’s young and promising female leaders. Through her volunteer work, unwavering determination, and selfless commitment to helping others, she continues to inspire and empower many young people across the region.
