Poetry from Aura Echeverri Uribe

Middle aged light skinned Latina woman with short dark hair and a black top with a ring on her finger.

The Mountain’s Cry

The mountain was robbed of its companionship,

the trees were razed, the grass withered.

The barren earth, without leaves, flowers, or insects,

cries out to the heavens in its sorrow, but no one hears it.

On the summit remains a living being,

a bird has walked.

has traveled in search of someone

to hear its song,

only the echo answers it in a distant sound.

The grass, in its fervor, grows again,

it has not lost hope,

 it dresses in green, shows off its attire

and longs to bloom.

The motionless snow watches

a flower and a bird

that walks without rest,

while the white flower

grows in its silence.

Aura Echeverri Uribe, Colombian. Writer of novels, short stories, and poems. I have published fourteen books: Six novels and eight books of short stories. My first book of poems is with the publisher and will be published soon, and I am currently writing a novel.

Essay from Odina Bahodirova

Young Central Asian woman with short dark hair and a gray sweater and blue jeans standing in front of a dark concrete statue of poet Alexander Faynberg. Another woman in a dark coat is giving her a certificate.

Illuminating the Soul: The Life and Literary Heritage of Aleksandr Fainberg 

Throughout human history, literature has remained one of the most enduring and universal forms of artistic expression, uniquely capable of capturing the breadth and depth of the human soul while offering solace, reflection, and a profound sense of emotional resonance. It serves not merely as a vehicle for communication, but as a mirror of human experience, a repository of collective memory, and a medium through which individuals and societies alike explore their innermost thoughts, values, and aspirations. Every moment of our lives, every fleeting instant, becomes enriched and illuminated through the subtle harmonies, metaphors, and rhythms of literary expression.

Within this vast and complex landscape of literary achievement, Aleksandr Arkadeyevich Fainberg occupies a particularly distinguished and noteworthy position. Among the pantheon of poets who have contributed to the enrichment of literature through their singular voices and imaginative brilliance, Fainberg stands out for his ability to merge intellectual depth with lyrical sensitivity, creating works that resonate profoundly with readers across generations. In the context of Uzbek poetry, to describe Fainberg as a radiant star illuminating the literary horizon is no exaggeration; his poetry embodies both aesthetic sophistication and emotional intensity, qualities that have ensured its enduring appeal.

Fainberg’s oeuvre, remarkable in its originality and depth, has left an indelible imprint on Uzbek literary tradition. His works are celebrated not only for their artistic innovation and mastery of form, but also for their capacity to engage with the cultural, social, and philosophical currents of his time. Literary critics and readers alike have consistently recognized the enduring value of his contributions, acknowledging both the subtlety of his imagery and the universality of the human experience conveyed through his verse. In doing so, Aleksandr Fainberg has secured his place among the most influential and respected figures in modern Uzbek literature, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire and shape literary discourse for generations to come.

Aleksandr Fainberg was born on November 2, 1939, in the Jukovskiy neighborhood of Tashkent. After completing his seven-year schooling, he enrolled at the Tashkent Topography Technical College, where he studied to become a geologist. During his time at the college, Fainberg traveled extensively across the various regions of Uzbekistan, immersing himself in the country’s unparalleled natural landscapes, which would later inspire much of his poetic imagery.

After graduating from the Technical College, Fainberg continued his education at the Faculty of Journalism at Tashkent State University. It was during his university years that he published several poetry collections, including Moments (“Lahzalar”), Distant Bridges (“Uzoq Ko‘priklar”), Conquer the Sky (“Osmonni Bos”), and Etude. Fainberg’s literary contributions, however, were not limited to his own poetry. He also gained recognition as a skilled translator, bringing the works of notable Uzbek poets to Russian-speaking audiences. Among his translations are Erkin Vohidov’s epic poem Revolt of the Immortals (“O‘lmaslar Isyoni”) and selected poems by Adulla Oripov, Xosiyat Rustamova, Omon Matchon, and Sirojiddin Said. These translations were later published in his collection Chigir.

Fainberg’s poetry exemplifies not merely a technical command of language, but also an extraordinary and deeply felt reverence for the art of poetry itself. Each of his works demonstrates meticulous attention to rhythm, structure, and imagery, revealing a poet who approaches language with both precision and passion. Beyond the mechanics of verse, Fainberg’s writing conveys a profound philosophical and emotional sensitivity, reflecting his capacity to capture the subtleties of human experience, the beauty of the natural world, and the complexities of social and cultural life. In this way, his poetry becomes more than literary expression; it transforms into a space where intellect and feeling, observation and imagination, converge, offering readers a profound encounter with the power and dignity of the poetic art form.

The luminous star of Uzbek poetry, Aleksandr Arkadeyevich Fainberg, passed away on October 14, 2009, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy that continues to illuminate the landscape of Uzbek literature. His life and work remain a testament to the transformative power of poetry, reflecting a rare synthesis of intellectual depth, artistic sensitivity, and profound humanism. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, a statue was erected in his honor at the Alley of Writers, ensuring that future generations can remember and celebrate his achievements as both a poet and a cultural figure.

Fainberg’s work has continued to attract the attention of literary scholars and critics, who tirelessly explore the layers of meaning, imagery, and thematic complexity within his poetry. A notable example of this scholarly engagement is G. V. Malikhina’s master’s thesis, “The Structure of Artistic Images and Thematic Dominants in A. A. Fainberg’s Lyrics,” which highlights not only the structural sophistication of his works but also their enduring significance in the broader context of Uzbek literary heritage. Such studies underscore the depth of Fainberg’s artistic vision and the lasting impact of his contributions on both contemporary and future generations of readers and writers.

In celebration of his life and literary achievements, I recently organized a special event dedicated entirely to Aleksandr Fainberg. The program focused on his biography and creative legacy, aiming to introduce participants to the richness and depth of his work. The event featured interactive elements, including quizzes and competitions, designed to engage attendees and deepen their understanding of Fainberg’s contributions to Uzbek literature. Through these activities, participants were able to explore not only the milestones of his life but also the thematic and artistic dimensions of his poetry, fostering both appreciation and critical engagement. Events such as this not only honor Fainberg’s enduring influence but also ensure that new generations of readers and literature enthusiasts continue to be inspired by his luminous legacy.

Aleksandr Fainberg’s poetry and translations have left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of literary scholars, readers, and enthusiasts alike. His voice continues to resonate as a shining example of artistic excellence, embodying the timeless qualities of creativity, cultural insight, and emotional resonance. Through his works, Fainberg not only enriched Uzbek literature but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the poetic art, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide and influence the literary world for years to come.

Bahodirova Odina Azamat qizi, Uzbekistan State World Languages, Email: bahodirovaodina72@gmail.com

Essay from Kandy Fontaine

Bizarro horror laced with black humor, [Alex S. Johnson’s] Wicked Candy is shocking, perverse, and, at times, funny as hell”–Lucy Taylor, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Safety of Unknown Cities, “Queen of Erotic Horror”

I write from the slit. From the altar. From the lipstick-smeared mouth of the wound. My horror is femme, feral, and sovereign. It’s Queer in the way glitter is Queer: loud, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. I write transfemme because I am. I write horror because it lets me scream in stilettos and bleed with intention. I write Queer because I refuse to be anything less than electric.

My protagonists are women. Slutty, sacred, contradictory, and divine. They are not victims. They are perpetrators, lovers, monsters, saints. They fuck like gods and cry like poets, often simultaneously. They are soft and they are brutal. They are tender and they are merciless. One thing they never do is ask permission to be who they are. 

I write from the place Judith Butler named: where gender is not essence but performance, not fixed but fluid, not passive but political. My horror is a stage where femininity is weaponized, eroticized, and ritualized. My women perform gender with lipstick and knives.

I write from the borderlands Gloria Anzaldúa mapped: the space between, the space beyond, the space that refuses to be named. My horror is mestiza consciousness in stilettos. It’s hybrid, haunted, and holy. It’s the scream of the in-between. My stories live in the rupture/rapture between binaries—between victim and perpetrator, between sacred and profane, between Queer and monstrous.

I’ve stood beside the torture porn boys, have even been published alongside them. I’ve read their work. I’ve seen their mobs. I’ve felt their eyes. I don’t flinch. I don’t blink. I don’t apologize.

Matt Shaw writes from the meat hook. From the gallows. From the dungeon. His books—RottenSick BThe Cabin—are full of women torn apart, raped, mutilated, discarded. Pain isn’t merely a function of the violence. It’s the point. Women are the spectacle. There is no joy, no reclamation, no complexity. His protagonists are not people—they’re props. His eroticism is domination. His violence is spectacle. His tone is grim, brutal, and hollow. His purpose is provocation, not transformation.

Mine is the opposite. My protagonists are sovereign. They are slutty without shame. They love rough sex and tenderness. They revel in being women—not as objects of pity or punishment, but as architects of their own mythos. My eroticism is sacred. My violence is ritual. My tone is satirical, poetic, glamorously grotesque. My purpose is reclamation, rupture, celebration.

Matt Shaw attacked me. He joined mobs. He tried to erase me. He’s done it to others too—Hailey Hughes, a trauma therapist and BookTuber, critiqued his portrayal of women and he retaliated with a mocking book dedication, social media rants, and a swarm of followers. That’s his pattern: defensiveness, aggression, refusal to engage with critique, especially from Queer and femme voices.

But I don’t write to be palatable. I write to be unforgettable.

My horror is lipstick and knives. It’s sacred and slutty. It’s Queer and loud. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t ask if you’re ready. It kicks the door in and dances on the table.

I write in the lineage of Lucy Taylor—whose work is lush, erotic, and unafraid. Her women are complex, her sex is sacred and savage, her horror is sensual and sharp. Like her, I write bodies that bleed and bloom. I write desire that bites. I write monstrosity that seduces.

Writing transfemme means writing with every part of me that was told to stay silent. Writing horror means turning that silence into a scream that echoes through the bones. Writing Queer means kissing the monster and becoming it. I do not ask for the reader’s comfort. I offer them transformation.

Matt Shaw can keep his meat grinder. I’ll keep my lipstick, my stilettos, and my monsters. And I’ll keep writing stories that make the genre gasp, gag, and grow.

— Kandy Fontaine

Essay from Sotvoldiyeva Muslima

Image of a brown wooden gavel hitting a mallet on a wooden desk next to a book.

The Rule of Law — The Foundation of a Just Society

Abstract

The rule of law is one of the most important principles that guarantees justice, equality, and stability in any society. It serves as the foundation of democracy and human rights, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their position or wealth, is subject to the same legal standards.

Introduction

A society cannot be considered truly fair and developed unless it is governed by the rule of law. This principle means that laws, not individuals, hold the ultimate authority. The rule of law protects people’s rights and freedoms, prevents tyranny, and promotes equality before the law. It is the key to building public trust in state institutions and creating an environment where justice prevails.

Main Body

In a country where the rule of law is respected, no one is above the law — not even government officials. Such societies ensure that power is exercised responsibly and transparently. Independent courts, accountable governance, and active civil participation are the main pillars of a lawful state.

The rule of law also plays a crucial role in protecting human rights. It ensures that justice is served in every sphere — from political and economic life to education and social welfare. When citizens believe that laws are fair and applied equally, they become more motivated to follow them and contribute positively to their nation’s progress. On the other hand, the absence of the rule of law leads to corruption, injustice, and social inequality. When laws are applied selectively or ignored, people lose faith in justice and the state. Therefore, strengthening legal culture and promoting awareness of citizens’ rights is essential to building a just and prosperous society.

Conclusion

The rule of law is not merely a legal concept — it is a moral and social necessity. It ensures peace, equality, and justice, forming the solid foundation of a fair and democratic state. A society guided by law is a society where every person’s dignity is respected, and justice always stands above power.

Sotvoldiyeva Muslima Akmaljon qizi was born on September 27, 2009, in Bulung‘ur district of Samarkand region. She studied at Secondary School No. 1 in Termez city, Surkhandarya region, until the 6th grade, and continued her education from grades 7 to 9 at Secondary School No. 1 in Oltiariq district, Fergana region.Currently, she is a second-year student at the Namangan Regional Academic Lyceum under Tashkent State University of Law. Since childhood, Muslima has had a great passion for reading books. She has won numerous diplomas in chess competitions and achieved first place in the “Barkamol Avlod” tournament.Muslima holds a B1-level Turkish language certificate and speaks several foreign languages. Her main goal is to become a qualified lawyer and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Poetry from Wansoo Kim

East Asian man with reading glasses, short dark hair, and a plaid collared shirt.

A Flame Kindled by Forgiveness

On the dusty southern land,

Treading the dirt roads of a small village,

With injustice and discrimination etched in his eyes,

He walked, etching words

That burned with fire upon the stone paths.

With a heart set aflame he raised the flag,

And with a silent outcry

Shook the closed walls of power,

Yet only echoes of his voice

Remained in the shadow of iron bars.

Even through twenty-seven years of long silence,

He did not yield.

Using books and dreams as his lamp,

He planted the seeds of dawn.

The world heard his silence,

And in the light of release he spoke,

“I will embrace the fallen nation

With flowers of forgiveness, not the blade.“

Nelson Mandela, his name

Now remains a flame within the soul;

The one who planted saplings shining in black earth,

Awakening the wilderness from its sleep,

Shaking the slumbering hearts of the world.

The Light on a Wet Shoulder

On life’s journey, everyone

Meets a storm that soaks them to the bone.

Some stagger in the wind,

Embracing their drenched souls,

Then collapse or sink to the ground.

Even in that rain,

Is there truly no path

To follow a single ray of light?

Some, beneath lightning-split skies,

Hear a whisper soft as breath,

Find a light gently spreading

Through cracks in gray clouds,

And in the warmth settling on wet shoulders,

They call even this storm a festival’s drumbeat

And sing a song of thanks.

I too, in my youth,

Was thrown into a dark prison by the pain of illness,

But clung to the rope called prayer,

Never letting go of the star of hope.

And so today, I

Kindle flames of poetry upon a withered heart,

Offer warm light to hungry souls,

And seek to bloom, unbroken in the storm,

As an edelweiss bearing the fragrance of heaven.

The Sun

At every dawn, tearing through the veil of darkness,

With golden feathers fluttering, the sun ascends.

The source of all things, the breath of the Creator,

Pulsates endlessly, whispering its steady rhythm.

Its fiery gaze pours upon the Earth,

An eternal lamp holding the flame of life.

The pilgrimage that dances along the invisible path

Is a perfect symphony woven by God’s hand.

Beneath that light and warmth,

Flowers quietly open their lips, fruits ripen in the light.

All offer thanks for the silver blessings

Scattered by the sun,

And offer fragrant worship to the Master of the cosmos.

Wherever I am, burning with all my being,

With a heart that drives back the darkness,

I will become a small star that brightens the world.

He is an international poet and writer from South Korea. He achieved Ph. D. in English literature from the graduate school of Hanguk University of Foreign Studies in Korea. He was a lecturer at Hanguk University of Foreign Studies and an adjunct professor at Incheon Junior College in Korea for about 20 years. He has published 8 poetry books, one novel, and one book of essays. One poetry book, “Duel among a middle-aged fox, a wild dog and a deer” was a bestseller in 2012, one page from the book of Letters for Teenagers was put in textbooks of middle school (2011) and high school (2014) in South Korea, and four books (Easy-to-read English Bible stories, Old Testament(2017), New Testament(2018) and Teenagers, I Support your Dream”) were bestsellers.

He was granted a Rookie Award for poetry by the magazine of Monthly Literature Space in South Korea, and he received the World Peace Literature Prize for Poetry Research and Recitation, presented in New York City at the 5th World Congress of Poets(2004). He published poetry books, “Prescription of Civilization” and “Flowers of Thankfulness“ in America.(2019). He received Geum-Chan Hwang Poetry Literature Prize in Korea(2019), The Golden Prize from Poetry City and International Indian Award(literature) from WEWU(World English Writer’s Union)(2019). He published the English version of “Heart of God”(2020, a bestseller) and its Spanish version in America(2021, a bestseller).

He received The ‘ORDER OF SHAKESPEARE’ MEDAL from Motivational Strips, Golden Words Certificate on Mother’s Day from Beliterat.com and WORLD POETIC PILLAR AWARD 2020-2021 from WNWU (World Nations Writers Union)(2021). He published my autobiography, “Secrets and Fruits of Mission” in USA(2021, a bestseller). He received Poetry Star Award from Chinese Literature Magazine and The International Issue Poetry Magazine(2021). He received Eva Prize from The Moment Inspirational News1(2022). He received Certificate of Honour from Oxygen Pen(2022). He published the Chinese version of his book, “Heart of God” in Amazon and reached Amazon bestseller #1 in Chinese eBooks. He received Tagore Memorial Honours(2022) from Motivational Strips with joint association of Department of Culture, Government of Seychelles and its Journal SIPAY. He received Kazi Nazrul Islam Birth Anniversary Literary Award-2022 from ShahityaPata(2022).

He received CERTIFICATE Nelson Mandela 2022, CERTIFICADO INTERNATIONAL VIVCTOR HUGO and MAHATMA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022 etc. He got The Christmas Literary Honors 2023 from Motivational Strips and Golden Bridge award from the Rahim Karim World Foundation in 2023. His poems were published at the literary magazines or anthologies of about 26 countries such as America, India, Mexico, Chile, Belgium, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, England, China, The Philippines, Peru, Serbia, Colombia, France, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Dubai, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Syria, Romania, Nigeria, Lebanon and Pakistan.

My Short Bio (Wansoo Kim)

Wansoo Kim achieved Ph. D. in English Literature from the graduate school of Hanguk University of Foreign Studies. He has published 8 poetry books. One poetry book, “Duel among a middle-aged fox, a wild dog and a deer” was a bestseller in 2012. He won the World Peace Literature Prize for Poetry Research and Recitation, presented in New York City at the 5th World Congress of Poets(2004). He published poetry books, “Prescription of Civilization” and “Flowers of Thankfulness“ in America.(2019), received Geum-Chan Hwang Poetry Literature Prize in Korea(2019) and International Indian Award(literature) from WEWU(World English Writer’s Union)(2019).

He published “Heart of God” in America(2020). He published an autobiography book, “Secrets and Fruits of Mission” and a poetry book, “Flowers of Gratitude”(2021). He received India’s Independence Day Literary Honors 2021”(2021). He published the Chinese version of his ebook, “Heart of God,” which reached Amazon bestseller #1(2022). He published poetry books, “Captive of Crazy Love.”(2023) , “Teachings of Mother Nature(2024) and Exclamation Mark of Tears(2025)

Essay from Boboqulova Durdona

(Young Central Asian woman with a gray coat, white top, and long dark hair in a ponytail).

Boboqulova Durdona Sanjar qizi

Student of Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute

2nd year, Faculty of Mathematics

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY: MAIN PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

Abstract:

This article provides a detailed analysis of the main problems causing the decline in the quality of electrical energy. In particular, it examines factors such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, reactive power imbalance, and voltage unbalance, and their negative effects on the stability of the power grid and the operation of consumer electrical devices. The article proposes several modern technical solutions to overcome these challenges, including the reduction of harmonics through passive and active filters, methods for reactive power compensation, voltage optimization technologies, and real-time monitoring systems that allow continuous observation of the network’s condition. The research results hold significant scientific and practical value for improving power quality, enhancing energy efficiency, and ensuring the reliability of the power supply system.

Keywords: power quality, voltage fluctuations, harmonics, reactive power, filters, voltage optimization, monitoring system, energy efficiency, reliability

Introduction

In recent years, the rapid development of industry, transport, information technologies, and services, along with the introduction of new technologies and global economic growth, has led to a sharp increase in the demand for electrical energy. Consequently, there is a growing need to ensure the stable and uninterrupted operation of power supply systems, maintain high energy quality, and use existing resources efficiently.

Power quality has become a crucial factor in providing continuous energy supply to both industrial and domestic consumers. A decline in power quality is mainly manifested through voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, excessive reactive power consumption, and voltage asymmetry. These negative factors seriously threaten the stability and efficiency of the electrical network. For instance, voltage fluctuations and harmonic distortions can lead to improper operation of industrial equipment, accelerated wear, energy loss, and reduced production efficiency. Similarly, excessive reactive power and voltage asymmetry cause uneven distribution of voltage and current across the network, potentially damaging consumer equipment.

Therefore, technical and technological solutions aimed at maintaining and improving power quality are essential. This article analyzes these issues in depth and presents a number of modern methods and technologies to address them. These include passive and active filters, reactive power compensation systems, voltage optimization technologies, and real-time monitoring systems. Applying such methods can improve power quality, ensure the reliability of power supply systems, and enhance energy efficiency. The article also provides practical recommendations for the application of these solutions.

Main Part

Power quality refers to the degree to which the supplied electrical energy meets established standards (such as GOST, IEC, and PQ norms). The demand for high-quality power is increasing, as it is essential for the smooth operation of technological processes across different sectors.

The main indicators of power quality include voltage level and stability, frequency stability, harmonic content, temporary voltage changes (such as dips or surges), voltage asymmetry, and reactive power. Each of these indicators must be maintained within optimal limits to ensure reliable and efficient operation of electrical equipment.

Voltage stability in the power grid is crucial for ensuring continuous and quality power supply. Sudden voltage drops, rises, or interruptions can cause industrial machinery shutdowns and failures of information systems, leading to significant economic losses—especially in high-tech industries and critical sectors such as healthcare and banking.

Nonlinear loads such as digital devices, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and computer systems generate harmonics in the system. These harmonics lead to overheating of transformers, electric motors, and cables, thereby reducing overall system efficiency, increasing energy consumption, and shortening equipment lifespan. Harmonics are assessed according to IEC 61000-4-7 and IEEE 519 standards, and corrective measures are applied accordingly.

Excessive reactive power reduces the ability of the power system to transmit useful (active) power, leading to overloads at power stations and decreased energy efficiency. To mitigate this, technologies such as Static VAR Compensators (SVCs), automatic capacitor banks, and shunt reactors are used to improve system efficiency.

In three-phase systems, uneven load distribution results in voltage asymmetry, which causes motors to overheat, vibrate, and operate less efficiently. Maintaining voltage balance is therefore essential.

To eliminate harmonics, passive LC filters and active power filters (APFs) are widely used today. Active filters detect harmonic currents in real time and inject counter-phase currents to cancel them out. This method provides high precision and fast dynamic response, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads.

Voltage stabilization is achieved through Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. AVRs control voltage fluctuations to maintain stable output, while UPS systems ensure continuous power supply—especially vital in fields like medicine, IT, and finance.

Smart grid technologies, Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems, and power quality analyzers enable continuous observation of network parameters in real time. They help identify disturbances early and take corrective action promptly. By collecting and analyzing real-time data, potential problems can be detected and addressed before they cause major issues.

Power quality analyzers measure voltage, frequency, reactive power, and harmonics, providing accurate diagnostics of network conditions. These tools are crucial for maintaining stable, reliable, and high-quality power supply.

Conclusion

The article has analyzed the key factors that degrade power quality—voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, reactive power imbalance, and voltage asymmetry. These issues negatively affect the stability of power systems and the efficiency of electrical equipment, leading to production interruptions, increased energy losses, and reduced overall system performance.

Modern technical solutions are proposed to address these challenges, such as reducing harmonics using passive and active filters, compensating reactive power, optimizing voltage, and employing real-time monitoring systems. The use of active filters, reactive power compensators, and smart monitoring technologies (such as IoT-based systems and power quality analyzers) significantly enhances system reliability and efficiency.

Improving power quality leads to higher energy efficiency, reduced losses, and extended equipment lifespan in industrial and domestic systems. Moreover, the adoption of modernized technologies ensures a stable and reliable power supply. Such technological approaches contribute to the sustainable use of global energy resources, reduction of environmental impact, and overall economic growth, promoting the implementation of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies.