GIRLS AT THE GATES

It was a sunny day like in a fairy tale

on the street 

parades of brass bands were passing by

they played the Blue Danube

girls were standing at the gates

watching the young musicians

and each girl held someone dear in their thoughts

the wind blew gently fluttering their evening gowns

players were looking somewhere in front of them

as if they were carefully choosing every note

my sweetheart was sitting on the balcony full of flowers

she had a beautiful colourful bird on her shoulder

two beautiful doves were kissing on the balcony

Siamese cats watched them curiously

while musicians in uniforms 

headed in another direction to some cross street

music was slowly fading away

girls were glancing at musicians

they were invisible traces that remained in girls’ hearts

then all gates closed at the same time

and behind them remained all the girls in fluttering gowns

only my sweetheart ran into my arms

Among the books I needed to read was O’tkir Hoshimov’s collection of stories, ”O’zbeklar” Immersing myself in the reading, I became one with the characters. This work speaks of how simple, sincere, and hardworking the Uzbek people are. Despite each story in the book being written in a simple, folk style, it finds a place in the reader’s heart with its basis in real events. The work pays great attention to feelings such as patriotism, love for one’s homeland, and concern for its future. The Uzbek people’s readiness to sacrifice their lives for the Motherland, their struggle for its freedom and independence, is one of the main parts of the story.

In conclusion, the story ‘O’zbeklar’ is a vivid work that reflects the image of the Uzbek people, their inner world, and their attitude towards life, awakening national feelings, and promoting the ideas of humanity and patriotism.

This work has been flawlessly presented as a gift to students, and my enjoyment of it is a testament to my good fortune!”

Muhammadjonova O’g’iloy
9th grade student school 5
Andijan region, Republic of Uzbekistan!

Food Poisoning

He has a solid case

Of food positioning

And he hates this 

So much

The only bright spot

Is that the bad stuff started

When he was 

In his hotel room.

Taylor Dibbert is a poet in Washington, DC. He’s author of, most recently, “On the Rocks.”

Relatives

You are all here, our house is peaceful,

The house, our wedding is peaceful.

Our hearts, our souls are at peace,

Be well, relatives.

Birthday, wedding, party,

All for you.

The open gate,

The doors are for you.

Stay healthy, our happiness,

Playing, laughing, and having fun.

We wish you luck,

Come on, relatives!

Maftuna Rustamova is a ninth grade student at secondary school #30, Bukhara region, Jondor District.

Her face appeared, Moons in her veil, In rosy, red like coral…When she removed a veil from her full moon, and shyness adorned her gaze…

Ah, my beloved…!! After you, Will I see…? A full moon I converse with in the sky of my horizon, And love asks: Where is the reader of the verse of passion…?! In embrace and union…

For your eyes, A poem tempts me…From the clarity of your intoxicating glance. My soul is reborn, and for your union, I wrote poetry as ink. The hunter of your heart. I strive towards that heart, And the eyes’ confession Of longing openly To a beloved… who stood at my door…And what she hid from my eyes openly, I see in her beauty the chapter of embrace…

Fadi Sido is the editor in chief of Raseef 81 magazine in Germany.

Little Zulfiya through the Teacher’s Eyes

Every nation has great figures who become its pride and honor. We, the Uzbek people, are justly proud of our poetess Zulfiya, whose beautiful poems, penetrating our literature, spirituality, and delicate hearts, have captured the hearts of millions. In nurturing love for the Motherland, respect for the native language, and feelings of kindness and compassion in the hearts of the young generation, the works of this great figure play a significant role.

One of the talented students studying at our school, Zahro Qahramonova, is among those gifted girls who embody such human emotions in her heart and who has developed a love for the art of words. In every line of poetry, Zahro feels beauty, sincerity, dreams, and aspiration. When she reads a poem, she becomes inspired just like little Zulfiya. She gives every word a place in her heart and brings each image to life in her imagination.

For us teachers, this is a great happiness — to work with students whose hearts are filled with love for poetry and whose souls shine with dreams. Zahro’s noble intentions, her dedication to creativity, and her ability to reflect on great themes such as the Motherland, mother, nature, and peace, give us reason to call her a true “little Zulfiya.”

Zulfiya’s proud lines, “I am the daughter of Uzbekistan”, today have become a life motto for thousands of girls like Zahro. We believe that today’s little Zulfiyas will grow into tomorrow’s enlightened, devoted, and creative women. Zahro is one of those girls who is confidently stepping toward such dreams.