Your reflection dwells in the eyes of the spiritual.
I seek You, O God —
tirelessly, in the silence of morning,
in a drop of dew,
in the breath that awakens with the dawn.
I search for You
in the touch of the wind,
in the bird that sings unseen,
in thoughts that fall silent
while the heart speaks.
I know,
You are everywhere —
in the gaze of the beggar,
in the smile of the wise,
in the hush of the temple,
and in the clamor of life.
When I kneel,
it is not before the world,
but before Your eternal goodness.
When I weep,
I do not fear sorrow —
for I know You are in every tear.
To You, O God,
I offer this verse,
let it be a bridge
between my being
and Your eternity.
Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar and divides her life between Serbia and Denmark. In Serbia, she serves as the deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house Sfairos in Belgrade.She is also the founder and vice president of the Rtanj and Mesečev Poets’ Circle, which counts 800 members, and the editor-in-chief of the international e-magazine Area Felix, a bilingual Serbian-English publication. She writes literary reviews, and as a poet, she is represented in numerous domestic and international literary magazines, anthologies, and electronic media. Some of her poems are also available on the YouTube platform. Maja Milojković has won many international awards. She is an active member of various associations and organizations advocating for peace in the world, animal protection, and the fight against racism. She is the author of two books: Mesečev krug (Moon Circle) and Drveće Želje (Trees of Desire). She is one of the founders of the first mixed-gender club Area Felix from Zaječar, Serbia, and is currently a member of the same club. She is a member of the literary club Zlatno Pero from Knjaževac, and the association of writers and artists Gorski Vidici from Podgorica, Montenegro.
Poetry submissions to North of Oxford’s Streur Anthology are now open!
North of Oxford would like to pay tribute to the late Russell Streur, poet and publisher of The Camel Saloon and The Plum Tree Tavern with an online anthology dedicated to Nature. Send us your poems of Nature, of floral and fauna, of forests and trees, of rivers, creeks and streams. Of farms, of urban nature, of parks and sanctuaries, of oceans and bays, of islands, of all things, Nature.
Send one to three poems for consideration of publication to North of Oxford at sahmsguarnieriandreutter@gmail.comSubject line of submission: Streur Anthology. Submissions will be accepted until 5/31/25. Only submissions attached as word doc will be reviewed. Please include a 100-word bio within the word doc.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self
Eva Petropoulou Lianou shares a short film inspired by NASA’s inclusion of her poetry in a capsule launched to the moon.
Synopsis On 26th February 2025 NASA launched a capsule with poems to the moon, one of them was the anti-war poem “Happy Birthday”. Written by Eva Lianou Petropoulou, Directed & Animated by Zina Papadopoulou, Music & Sound by Grigoris Grigoropoulos
Lunar codex, Athena, Minerva Excelsior, The Vagabond Anthology, edited by Mark Lipman, dedicated to the Palestinian poet Ahmed Miqdad
Also, our contributor Brian Barbeito’s new book has just come out, When I Hear the Night. This is a prose poem and landscape photography book. Included with the words and pictures are two literary and dynamic introductory essays, one by poet and editor Jude Goodwin, and another by the writer and editor Mary Buchanan Sellers, figures current and thus well-informed in the field. There are also author notes and question-and-answer sections. The writings can be said to have interesting elements of memoir, essay, belle-lettres, poetry, and short story forms. Their content often includes the mystic and inner vision of the author coupled with the outside world of nature walking and travel.
Now, for May 2025’s first issue: Paradoxical Understandings. In this issue, we explore various perspectives and vantage points, how multiple things can be true at once in our complex universe.
On a more personal level, Peter Cherches writes of understandings and misunderstandings, how much we can come to know or forget about those closest to us. Aziza Xazanova urges human understanding through avoiding assumptions and listening with empathy. Daniel De Culla relates a story where a person in trouble simply seeks a listening ear, not rescue.
One way people can understand each other better is by learning each other’s languages. Several contributors discuss pedagogical methods for language teaching.
Other contributors reinterpret language in concrete and abstract ways. Jerome Berglund renders different poetic forms into concrete images. Noah Berlatsky contributes a humorous poem about procrastination that uses repetition as a literary device. Christina Chin and Uchechukwu Onyedikam craft joint tan-renga poems, finishing each other’s pieces with images of music, nature, rest, and memories. Rus Khomutoff’s concrete poetry takes us on a journey of surrealism, music, and romance.
Like Khomutoff, other writers travel deep into their own psyches. Brian Barbeito reflects on his thought process and creative journeys, considering how he both opens his mind to emptiness and enlightenment and, like a skilled hockey player, remembers the basics of his craft. On another note, Nigar Nurulla Khalilova evokes writers’ block and an intense, foul mood as harsh as the Arab Simoom wind.
Mesfakus Salahin ponders the fragility of human identity and self-concept. Mark Young’s poetry explores creative processes, relationships, and the search for meaning. Texas Fontanella’s music digs deep for a dose of duende. Tagrid Bou Merhi draws on train travel as a metaphor for introspection and longing for one’s past or future. Stephen Jarrell Williams crafts a series of verses describing a person’s inner struggle and renewal. Ari Nystrom-Rice explores identity, wondering who he truly is underneath the surface. Mexribon Shodiyeva’s poetry celebrates the fragile butterfly and the beauty of being yourself. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumovna relates having had the courage to free herself from an unhealthy situation and walk her own path.
Paul Cordeiro speaks to the aftermath of significant relationships and events and to how our feelings can reshape our memories. On a less serious level, Mark Blickley develops a farcical story of unemployment fraud inspired by a photo of a man with a sheep skull, where a character invests deeply into reinventing himself.
On a more cosmic level, Jack Mellender’s work looks at space, time, and humanity’s place in the universe. Ummnusalma Nasir Mukhtar relates a fanciful and expansive dream where she traveled to the moon and stars and gathered her strength. Jacques Fleury’s photography encourages us to view life from different vantage points, exploring concepts as varied as travel, physical attraction, thought, and justice.
Duane Vorhees reflects on ancient archetypes and how we tell stories about ourselves. Sayani Mukherjee reflects on the constant turbulence of human and natural history. Dr. Jernail S. Anand probes some basic paradoxes of modern human life.
Rezauddin Stalin reflects on the beauty and the price of freedom as Blue Chynoweth reflects on the blessing and curse of being able to contemplate one’s place in the universe rather than living by instinct.
Mahbub Alam wonders whether love or self-destruction will win the day. As a person of faith grappling with these issues, Chimezie Ihekuna addresses life’s seemingly intractable struggles, suffering, and human evil, and also God’s implacable goodness in a paradoxical couplet of poems. Lilian Dipasupil’s paired poems take a similar approach, warning of child kidnapping while honoring the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
As writers, one of the ways we can respond to evil is to bear witness and document it as a warning. This is one of the roles of journalism. Davronova Asilabonu affirms the value of journalism and speculates on the field’s future.
More traditionally literary writing can bear witness as well. Yucheng Tao provides a sobering reminder of the historical massacres of the indigenous people of the American West by European settlers and of many Cambodians later in history by the Khmer Rouge. Z.I. Mahmud explores how Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles brought realism into detective fiction, illustrating the monstrosity of human greed and vengeance. Rahmat Muhammad laments how people where she lives in northern Nigeria no longer honor elders and ancestors as much as they should.
Shuhratbekova Gulzoda describes the historical contributions of the humanist Jadid leaders of Uzbekistan to art, literature, science, and culture. Dilobar Maxmarejabova expresses her pride in her Uzbek heritage and her hometown of Qashqadaryo. Hashimjonova Durdana affirms her pride in her Uzbek heritage and culture. Nozima Gofurova outlines the many achievements of today’s Uzbek youth.
Bhagirath Choudhary points to the role of literature in terms of helping people and societies evolve to become more humane. Dr. Jernail S. Anand illuminates the power of art and literature to touch people’s hearts and souls and inspire wiser and more compassionate behavior.
Alexander Klujev highlights connections between Russian music and Russian philosophy and how both honor the triumph of life over death.
Various contributions celebrate different aspects of life. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva enjoys a picnic with her classmates on a sunny spring day. Su Yun evokes the struggle and beauty of flowers growing in an urban environment. Isabel Gomez de Diego photographs childhood exuberance in a neighborhood where humans coexist with nature, trees and bike paths near city apartments. Eva Petropoulou Lianou crafts a story around the evocatively named “Hero’s Path,” a hiking trail near a European monastery. She finds simple joy in nature and travel. Manik Chakraborty takes poetic inspiration from misty mountains as Taro Hokkyo honors his muse and the land on which he writes.
Marjona Jorayeva Baxtiyorovna expresses her respect for women and the feminine, which she links to nurturing and compassion. Gulsanam Qurbonova celebrates the tender nurturing of a mother’s love. Vo Thi Nhu Mai reflects on the warmth and tenderness of her childhood in Vietnam and how that inspired her creativity. Kylian Cubilla Gomez’ photography captures vintage childhood images: Snoopy, old Easter themed toys, a colorful frog, even possibly Dad’s aftershave. David Sapp enters the mind of a three-year-old, excited about cereal and dogs. Marjona Jo’rayeva relates her enthusiasm for a fresh term at school.
Kristy Raines expresses the simple yet profound joy of two souls finding true love and choosing each other. Eid Saleh writes in English and Arabic of the meeting of souls in a similar way, and refers both to romance and to close friendship. Qaraboyeva Zilola expresses the tender urgency, trepidation, and obsession of young love. Marley Manalo-Ladicho ignites a fiery love feast in his poetry.
However, as Taylor Dibbert points out in his brief poem, romances, and other sources of happiness, aren’t guaranteed to last.
Tuliyeva Sarvinoz’ elegant poetry laments lost love as Mirta Liliana Ramirez honors the memory of a beloved, asserting that she’s not yet ready to move forward. Eva Petropoulou Lianou touches on the tenderness of human hearts and how many of us carry emotional trauma. J.J. Campbell’s poems describe a soul’s slow descent into misery and cynicism. Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to social and psychological entrapment, stuck with folks tired of his old stories. Linda S. Gunther’s short story “Bake Me a Banyan Tree” explores what we owe our loved ones and how far we would go for them.
Eric Barr’s poetry reflects the realities of navigating life after a stroke. Manik Chakraborty laments destruction caused by a fire as Mykyta Ryzhykh reimagines the Three Little Pigs into a futuristic dystopia in light of environmental destruction. Don Bormon evokes extreme desert heat and the specter of climate change.
Alex S. Johnson takes us on a mythical journey to transmute sorrow in a poem translated into Greek by Cassandra Alogoskoufi.
Sometimes what one needs to overcome suffering isn’t as complex as alchemy, but can just be time at home curled up with one’s cat. Nicholas Gunther’s poem describes a weary soul’s desire to return home after a long journey. Bill Tope’s short story explores how a senior cat helped bring an older woman out of depression after society made both feel useless.
We hope that Synchronized Chaos can inspire creativity, bear witness to the joys and pains of the world, and transform sorrow and stagnation. Please enjoy this issue!
Once upon a time there was a girl full of dreams and hopes.
He liked mountain climbing and walking in the mountains.
Iro was a great soul, she loved animals, birds, trees, nature, and exploring the forest.
So one day in Politika, she discovered a Hero’s Path, unique, that no one knew about…no one had walked it except her.
Iro decided to share her path with friends and confided in her parents about her big dream.
I would like to create a path where everyone can take a walk in nature, but they will be able to admire the trees, the birds, children will be able to come into contact with nature and play, and climbers will be able to do their favorite sport.
“We’ll do it,” both parents said happily.
But the evil wizard who lived far away on a rock, did not let the beautiful Hero live her dream. He sent a dragon darker than him and wounded her in the chest with disease.
Our Hero fought, as a heroine, every day, every moment, every minute with armies of dark forces.
Unfortunately, her heart was weak…she didn’t make it.
But her soul, by the grace of God, transformed into a butterfly
and she stayed on her favorite Hero’s path, along with her parents, greeting passersby.
So one summer month, I and other friends met, with the aim of reciting poems about Irene, at the Hero’s Theater.
We had a great time and everything was done with love and respect.
When at the end the abbess of the Monastery of Panagia of Perivleptou, Mariam, sang a wonderful song dedicated to Iro’s mother, Giorgos Chryssi Marangou, we all gasped.
Our story does not end here, I had to, as President of Greece, representative for the Mil Mentes Por Mexico association International, share the wonderful event that we organized with the help and support of George Pratzikos, Iro’s family and all the wonderful poets who took part…
I should have shared it with the President.
DrA Jeanette Eureka Tiburcio of the organization and of course I talked to them about the Hero’s Path, Hero’s parents, their wonderful work who, with effort, love and respect for their child’s dream… have created a wonderful marked path, friendly to everyone.
In November at the largest event, held in Rome by two organizations
Global federation of leadership and high intelligence Mexico and Unacc India, at the Pontifical University Antonianum, Rome
50 important women from around the world were awarded for their contributions to culture and literature, as well as for their general contribution to their country.
Chrissi Marangou was among the 50 important women and I feel proud to have nominated her for this very important award that has now found its place in the
Path of the Hero.
I feel proud to be an Ambassador of the Hero’s Path, and I continue to promote all the events and all the needs of …
I feel proud and deeply grateful that my own poem dedicated to the heroine, for me Hero, also found its place, and the visitor, ascending for the first route, can read my poem, The Butterfly
Then, leave a few flowers or say a prayer at the Hero’s monument and then let his soul fly there among the trees.
Thank you to everyone who did this wonderful job, including the graphic designer Ms. Kanari.
the people who continue to work on the Hero’s Path.
The parents of Giorgos Chryssi Marangou who continue…and dream
Abbess Mariam
I suggest you take a trip to Politika, Psachna, Evia.
Give a big hug to Chrissi Marangou and George
Go to the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptou and light two candles.
There is a conversation between souls that only the heart can hear (English Version)
The meeting of souls… a language only the heart understands
In a time filled with noise, silence is sometimes the most eloquent means of understanding. In a world governed by material relationships and false appearances, the meeting of souls still holds a profound secret that cannot be explained or written about, but rather felt and experienced.
What is the meeting of souls?
It is a feeling that cannot be begged for or contrived. When you meet another soul, you feel comfortable with them without prior acquaintance, and you feel as if they have been inside you for a long time. You know them, and they know you, they hear you without speaking, and they sense you even from thousands of miles away. It is that silent understanding, a harmony that needs no justification, and a presence that does not ask for permission.
Souls meet before bodies
Ibn al-Qayyim, may God have mercy on him, said: “Souls are conscripted soldiers. Those that recognize each other will get along, and those that do not recognize each other will disagree.”
This statement clearly indicates that souls may reunite before their companions’ bodies meet in this world, as if there were a previous world where good souls reunited. When they meet on earth, they recognize each other without warning.
The meeting of souls is not bound by time.
You may meet someone for a single moment and feel closer to them than anyone you’ve known for decades. You may spend years with others without feeling any real connection with them. Meetings are not governed by time, but by honesty, transparency of feelings, and purity of intention.
Is it love? Friendship? Or something deeper?
The meeting of souls cannot be summed up in a single mold. It may be love, friendship, or a fleeting relationship that remains etched in the memory. But it always leaves an indelible mark on the soul and teaches us that the most beautiful bonds are built not with words, but with sincere feelings.
Why do we long for certain souls?
Because, quite simply, our souls know who they like and are drawn to those who are similar to them. We may miss someone we haven’t spent enough time with, but we have experienced a rare, unforgettable feeling with them.
In conclusion…
The meeting of souls is a divine gift that doesn’t come every day, or with just anyone. It’s a hidden blessing and a reminder that what unites people is much deeper than appearance, name, or circumstances.
If you find someone who you feel is similar in spirit to you, hold on to them and be honest with them. That moment may not happen twice.
تلاقيالأرواح… لغةلايفهمهاإلاالقلب
في زمنٍ امتلأ بالضجيج، بات الصمت أحيانًا أبلغ وسيلة للفهم. وفي عالم تحكمه العلاقات المادية والمظاهر الزائفة، لا يزال تلاقي الأرواح يحمل سرًا عميقًا لا يُفسر ولا يُكتب، بل يُحَسّ ويُعاش.
ما هو تلاقي الأرواح؟
هو شعور لا يُستَجدى ولا يُفتعل. حين تلتقي بروحٍ أخرى فترتاح لها دون سابق معرفة، وتشعر وكأنها كانت في داخلك منذ زمن، تعرفها وتعرفك، تَسمعك دون أن تتكلم، وتشعر بك ولو من خلف آلاف الأميال. إنه ذلك التفاهم الصامت، الانسجام الذي لا يحتاج لتبرير، والحضور الذي لا يطلب إذنًا.
الأرواح تتلاقى قبل الأجساد
قال ابن القيم رحمه الله: “الأرواح جنود مجندة، ما تعارف منها ائتلف، وما تناكر منها اختلف.”
وفي هذا القول إشارة واضحة إلى أن الأرواح قد تتآلف قبل أن تتلاقى أجساد أصحابها في الدنيا، وكأن هنالك عالمًا سابقًا تآلفت فيه الأرواح الطيبة، فحين تلتقي في الأرض، تميّز بعضها البعض دون مقدمات.
تلاقي الأرواح لا يرتبط بالزمن
قد تلتقي شخصًا للحظة واحدة، فتشعر أنه أقرب إليك من كل من عرفتهم لعقود. وقد تمضي مع آخرين أعوامًا، دون أن تشعر معهم بأي تواصل حقيقي. فالتلاقي لا يحكمه الزمن، بل الصدق، وشفافية المشاعر، ونقاء النية.
هل هو حب؟ صداقة؟ أم شيء أعمق؟
تلاقي الأرواح لا يمكن أن يُختصر في قالبٍ واحد. فقد يكون حبًا، وقد يكون صداقة، وقد يكون علاقة عابرة تبقى محفورة في الذاكرة. لكنه دائمًا يترك في النفس أثرًا لا يُمحى، ويعلمنا أن أجمل الروابط لا تُبنى بالكلام، بل بالشعور الصادق.
لماذا نشتاق لأرواح بعينها؟
لأن أرواحنا، ببساطة، تعرف من يطيب لها، وتنجذب لمن يشبهها. وقد نشتاق إلى من لم نعش معه وقتًا كافيًا، لكننا عشنا معه شعورًا نادرًا، لا يمكن نسيانه.
في الختام…
تلاقي الأرواح هو منحة إلهية، لا تأتي كل يوم، ولا مع أي أحد. هي رزق خفي، وتذكير لنا أن ما يجمع البشر أعمق بكثير من الشكل أو الاسم أو الظروف.
فإن وجدت من تشعر بأنه يشبهك روحًا، فتمسك به، وكن صادقًا معه، فقد لا تتكرر تلك اللحظة مرتين.
Annotation: This article explores the importance of clarity in a teacher’s speech during the educational process. Clear, comprehensible, and logically coherent speech positively influences students’ knowledge acquisition. The study analyzes the main principles of speech clarity, methods to achieve it, and the relationship between speech culture and the teacher’s pedagogical skills.
Keywords:teacher’s speech, clarity, speech culture, pedagogical skills, effectiveness of education
1. The concept of precision
Clarity means that an idea expressed in speech is conveyed clearly, clearly, without hesitation. A teacher’s speech should convey knowledge to students in a clear and understandable form. If a teacher speaks abstractly, confusingly, or inaccurately, it negatively affects the students’ process of accepting knowledge.
2. Main features of teacher speech
Clarity: Ideas are expressed simply and clearly.
Logicality: Sentences and thoughts are interrelated and orderly.
Intelligibility: Speech is built in a language appropriate to the age and level of knowledge of the students.
Brevity and laconia: Redundant words, sentences that are not related to the topic are avoided.
Sounding accuracy: Pronunciation must be correct and fluore.
3. Methods to achieve accuracy
Advance preparation: Create a thoughtful plan for the lesson.
Highlighting Important Points: Illustrate by highlighting, with examples.
Using plain and simple words: Interpret complex terms separately if necessary.
Monitoring communication: Checking whether students understand.
Maintaining logical consistency: Each idea should be linked to the previous one.
4. Factors that compromise accuracy
Vague expressions and abstract expressions.
Unnecessary complexity and unrelated thoughts in speech. Pronunciation and grammar errors.
Being too low or too loud the volume.
5. Accuracy of teacher speech and teaching effectiveness
Clear and understandable speech will ensure that students can:
actively listen to the lesson,
Have a deep understanding of the topic,
Helps him answer questions accurately and independently. Also, clarity makes the lesson fun, dynamic, and effective.
6. Ways of developing teacher speech
Perform special exercises in speech culture.
Learning techniques for storytelling and information.
Read books and constantly work on yourself.
analyze their own speech, recording sessions with audio and video.
7. Scientific and theoretical foundations
From the point of view of psycholinguistics, clarity is the clarity in the process of encoding and decoding an idea.
Corresponding to each subject, the accuracy of the teacher’s speech will also be specific. For example, if in the speech of a mathematics teacher, clarity is manifested in strict formulas and logical sequences, then in the speech of a literature teacher along with clarity there must be expressiveness.
In modern education, with the help of technologies (presentation, audio-visual means), speech clarity is further strengthened.
In didactic science, accuracy is considered as an important condition that contributes to the active cognitive activity of the student.
The importance of accuracy in teacher speech:
Quickly and correctly forms knowledge in pupils.
Increases the interest and attention of the audience.
Will help to perfectly understand the material being studied.
Develops students’ ability to think independently.
Recommendations to improve speech clarity:
Careful preparation for each lesson.
Express ideas simply and briefly in sentences.
Timely and correct interpretation of subject terms.
Speak a language appropriate to the level of the audience.
And the following are also important
1. Clarity of thought
The teacher must express his thoughts in an understandable way, without confusion. It is necessary to explain both complex ideas in a simple and logical sequence.
2. Lexical clarity
The meaning of the words and terms must be clear. Avoid unnecessarily complicated wording, choose words that are relevant to the topic and understandable to readers.
3. Syntactic accuracy. The structure of the sentence should be fluent and laconic. Too long and confusing sentences should be avoided.
4. Loyalty to the subject. The teacher expresses each of his thoughts without deviating from the topic being studied. The main focus is on unlocking the topic’s content.
5. Order and Logic. Ideas need to be in a logical connection to each other. Simple concepts are explained step by step, then complex concepts first.
6. Create Ease of Understanding
Bringing a complex idea to a simpler form for readers by giving examples, comparisons and analogies where necessary increases accuracy
In conclusion, the accuracy of the teacher’s speech is an important factor ensuring the effectiveness of the educational process. Through accuracy, knowledge is conveyed to learners in a clear, understandable and impactful manner. The teacher must strive to express his thoughts clearly, logically and purposefully. The clarity of speech serves students to develop a deep understanding of the topic, the development of their independent thinking and reasoning skills. Therefore, each teacher should always pay attention to the accuracy of his speech, consistently work on its development.
References:
1. Gafurov M. — “Fundamentals of speech culture”
2. Azizkho’jayev A. — “Pedagogical technologies”
3. Vygotsky L.S. — “Communication and thinking”
4. Soliev A., Makhmudov M. — “Pedagogical skills”
5. Levina R.A. — Rhetoric and Culture of Speech
6. Kara-Murza S.G. — Fundamentals of speech culture and communication
Jurayev M., Islamov I. – Fundamentals of speech culture, Tashkent, 2018.
7. Ochilov M. – Uzbek language and speech culture, Tashkent, 2019.
– about the accuracy, types of accuracy and accuracy of speech in teaching activity.
8. Toshmatov M. – pedagogical skills, Tashkent, 2020.
– Details about the teacher’s speech, pedagogical techniques and methods of expressive expression.
9. Sultanova D. – Culture of language and speech, Tashkent, 2017.
– about compliance with the norms of language, accuracy and accuracy of expression.
10. Materials of the State Testing Center under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan –
– modern requirements for speech of teachers, recommendations for speech culture.
11. Aristotle – Rhetoric – The art of speech, the ancient theoretical foundations of clarity and logical expression.
12. Cicero (Mark Tully) – De Oratore – Ancient Roman experience in the culture of speaking, clarity and expressive speech construction.
13. Quintilian – Institutio Oratoria
– principles of speech structure, clarity and fluency for teachers and speakers.
14. Dale Carnegie – The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking
– modern methods of speech clarity, clarity and clarity in public speech.
15. Herbert Paul Grice – Logic and Conversation – Modern theories about the principles of communication in speech (clarity, brevity, relevance).
