Poetry from Kareem Abdullah

Iraqi poet Kareem Abdullah

1- In the breath of destiny

I felt you in the wind that caresses the sea,

in every wave that bows to the sky to touch your name.

My veins are rivers seeking your shore,

and my breath—a white horse—runs toward your dreams.

Among the stars, I have built a bridge of silence,

to walk toward you with steps of desire.

Do not fear the distance, nor the wait:

I am already on the horizon where you call me.

And when time casts its cloak over the evening,

you will find me there—

in the heartbeat you recognize as yours,

in the embrace that knows no bounds.

2- A hesitant laugh, its charm bottled in a jar.

She bowed her heart, heavy with memories, burying its sharp pains.

She buried the makeup of her life behind a bridge destined for an untimely death, and said goodbye to what fate had shattered in the pockets of caprices. It continues, in its sky,

the leaves of salvation hover, adorned with the stumps of tears.

And among its flowers, a hesitant laugh hides, amazed by the crowd of wrinkles.

A cacophony of yellow spreads through the joints of its thresholds, its moans suffocating it.

Who tied the wings of its tentacled dawn?

She shakes off the legacy of isolation and the air that suffocates her every time a dream caresses her hair, a dream that has abandoned her waking conversation.

And that cold touch, timidly hastening,

repeats itself in its distant circles.

A crack in her heart widens. 

Like a faceless fetus,

shattering everything else,

a warm whisper lingers beneath his dream-soaked clothes,

trembling with mourning. 

Throats of lament spill over his winter bed, tracing his bewilderment. He curls up under the tattered blanket of a time that sweeps away his tender flowers. 

His strings murmur of piercing ghosts escaped from his window. Many promises, like arrows, struggle impossibly among the branches of memory. 

The strings of calls grow hoarse, and the unconsciousness of estrangement devours his pain-stricken day. Grief wallows in the shards of his mirror, practicing anguish, burying his smiling yesterday in a thick crypt that dismantles the rebirth of the future. 

He entrusts his secrets, prodigal of disappointment, to the pillows of absence. 

Without permission, he refines the hammer of displacement. 

Her sleepy waterwheels, from the windows of her days, escape the tranquility of her imprisoned curtains, her enchantments locked in a bottle of suffocating expectation in unknown ports. In her voice, the exhausting distances are shortened in the neigh of femininity, while the topography intertwines in a mirror that has smuggled the collapse of flowers, thus a torpor creeps in, floating,

covering the skin of hope.

Kareem Abdullah – Irak 

Poetry from Elaine Murray

I Wish I Were A Mermaid

I remember the sun glistening on the waves going down to the sea. 

I hope to see whales coming up for air.

I think of the sea horse way down the sea.,

Sea dragons gliding across the sea floor.

Even the sea plants dance with the sea.

Oh! If I could go down the sea like a little mermaid dancing around 

the coral with swaying sea weeds.

As a little mermaid I ask the seahorse for a small ride.

Oh! What beauty I could see down into the sea.

Poetry from Duane Vorhees

MY TASK

I row, row my skiff in your valley of waters

to script virgins into lovers.

I ordain the past to scribe cowards into heroes

and rumor the future to make sinners prophets and preachers.

Contorted within this beggardom of rules, I try to pattern stammerers into orators,

and I torture my way to Heaven while swording into Hell.

ONCE AND THEN AND NOW

I lived my youth from tower to tower.

Imagined marble turned out to be clay.

Once my arbor was fulfilled by flowers.

Then my garden filled up with weeds and toads.

Today is tomorrow’s yesterday.

Circumstances change without endeavor;

conditions, with ease. Flux is forever,

and now my life is roads

and roads and

Roads. 

A SENTRY IS NOT A PARTY

When enlisted by you

I was flagged to make war

on volumes of rebels

though naked as a syllable.

While I waited for you

to wideopen your door

and join in your revels

I squatted by your vestibule

until my body became blue.

Your promise a rumor,

“You’re next, Sir” a never,

I fasted at your festival.

CAMBRIDGE, GOODBYE AGAIN 

I’ll leave in quietude,

as quietly as I came;

I wave silent far farewell

to clouds in the western sky.

Riverside’s gold willows

are young brides at twilight;

their reflections shimmer

but remain fixed in my heart.

The weeds that grow in sludge

sway sway just beneath the ripple

of the gentle waves of Cam.

O, if I could be one weed!

The pool in the elmtree shade

holds not water but a rainbow;

refracted in duckweed

is the dream sediment’s spectrum.

A dream? Just poling upstream

to where the grass is thicker;

boat full-loaded with starlight

and singing aloud with me.

But I cannot sing loudly,

a recessional must be muted.

My summer bugs stay silemt.

Cambridge is too quiet tonight!

I’ll leave in stillness,

as quietly as I came;

flapping my sleeves like flags

won’t drive my clouds away.

–after Xu Zhimo

NEWMAN

I saw him last week

in his baseball cap and dungarees,

sitting on his Jeep.

He had just come back from Hungary.

It was quite a bit

since we’d talked, and I was eager

to know if his trips

in Europe made him any bigger.

“Well, I learned,” he said,

“that some women call poison a gift,

regard pain as bread.

In some places to make love is ‘theft,’

‘kneading dough’ in Dutch,

in Greece, ‘like riding a horse,’ in Spain

cogere (to catch),

scopare (to sweep) — that’s Milan — Germans ‘roll around,’

the Russians ‘have contempt for someone,’

the old up-and-down,

the French ‘jump.’ Ah! Linguistics — such fun!”

Poetry from Staci Modisette

PEACE AND A PERSON’S ONLINE SAFETY

In a world where many of us use our voices

to share messages of hope, kindness, and peace,

it’s important to remember something just as meaningful: 

OUR PERSONAL SAFETY.

Speaking about peace is a beautiful and powerful act. 

It connects people across cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. 

But no message—no matter how positive—is more important 

than the well-being of the person sharing it.

If a situation online begins to feel unsafe, 

it is always okay to step back.

Choosing safety is not a failure to stand 

for peace—it is a way of protecting yourself.

We can continue to share kindness and understanding 

while also setting healthy boundaries. 

Both can exist together.

Take care of yourselves and one another—online and offline.

Essay from Ahadova Feruzakhon

INNOVATIVE METHODS OF WORKING WITH VOCABULARY IN MOTHER TONGUE LESSONS

Ahadova Feruzakhon

Kokand State University, Faculty of Primary and Technological Education, 1st year student of Primary Education

Annotation. This article scientifically analyzes modern and innovative methods of working with vocabulary in mother tongue lessons and their role in developing students’ communicative competence. It also highlights the effectiveness of increasing vocabulary based on interactive methods, digital technologies and creative approaches.

Annotation. This article analyzes innovative methods of working with vocabulary in mother tongue lessons and their role in developing students’ communicative competence. It also highlights the effectiveness of interactive methods, digital technologies, and creative approaches in enriching vocabulary.

Abstract. V state rassmatrivayutsya innovatsionnye metody raboty so slovarem na urokax native language and ix role v razvitii rechevoy kompetentsii uchashchihsya. The effectiveness of interactive methods, digital technology and creative approaches is clarified.

Key words: vocabulary, mother tongue, innovative methods, interactive education, speech development, lexical competence.

Keywords: vocabulary, mother tongue, innovative methods, interactive learning, speech development, lexical competence.

Key words: dictionary, native language, innovative methods, interactive learning, razvitie rechi, lexical competence.

INTRODUCTION

Today, at a time when fundamental reforms are being implemented in the education system, the use of modern approaches in teaching the mother tongue is of great importance. In particular, increasing students’ vocabulary, developing their speech activity, and forming independent thinking skills is one of the urgent pedagogical problems. Working with a dictionary is a key component of native language lessons, allowing not only to learn new words, but also to use them correctly, understand them semantically, and actively use them in speech.

According to modern pedagogical theory, it is necessary to use innovative methods in addition to traditional methods in developing students’ language skills. Because today’s student is being formed in an information technology environment, and his educational needs are also changing. Therefore, the introduction of interactive methods, multimedia tools, and creative tasks in the process of working with a dictionary increases efficiency.

Also, working with a dictionary serves as an important tool in developing not only students’ language skills, but also their thinking, logical thinking, and communicative competence. In this regard, this article studies innovative methods of working with a dictionary on a scientific basis and analyzes their practical effectiveness.

LITERATURE ANALYSIS

The issue of working on vocabulary in native language lessons has been studied by many scholars. In particular, A. Gulyamov, in his work “Methodology of Teaching the Native Language”, emphasizes that increasing vocabulary is the main factor in the speech development of students. According to him, through a deep understanding of the meaning of words and their use in speech, students learn to think independently [1].

Also, N. Mahmudov, in his work “Language and Speech Culture”, notes the need for a systematic organization of the process of working with vocabulary. In his opinion, each new word must be mastered by the student based on the context, otherwise it will not become an active vocabulary [2].

S. Matchonov, in his scientific works, specifically focuses on the importance of interactive methods in mastering vocabulary. According to him, methods such as role-playing games, clustering, and brainstorming naturally increase students’ vocabulary [3].In general, the results obtained scientifically confirm that innovative approaches in native language lessons significantly increase the effectiveness of working with a dictionary. This indicates the need to combine traditional methods with innovative approaches in the modern educational process, without completely rejecting them.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the process of working with a dictionary in native language lessons is one of the pedagogical areas that is of decisive importance in the formation of students’ speech development, level of thinking and communicative competence. The analysis conducted during the study showed that working with a dictionary is not just a process of teaching new words, but a complex methodological system that shapes students’ attitude to the language, develops their creative and independent thinking.

Traditional approaches – that is, methods of explaining, memorizing and translating words – although useful to a certain extent, cannot fully meet the requirements of today’s education. In a modern educational environment, it is necessary to involve students as active participants, increase their interest and direct them to independent research. In this regard, innovative methods significantly increase the effectiveness of working with a dictionary.

According to the results of the study, interactive methods (cluster, brainstorming, group work), digital technologies (electronic dictionaries, multimedia tools, mobile applications) and gamification elements contribute to the rapid and stable acquisition of vocabulary by students. In particular, these approaches increase students’ interest in the lesson, forming them as active participants and independent thinkers.

Also, the research revealed that when innovative methods are used, students develop not only their vocabulary, but also their speech literacy, level of logical thinking and creative approach. This directly affects the quality of education and the effective organization of the educational process.

In general, organizing work with vocabulary in native language lessons based on modern innovative approaches is one of the important factors in increasing educational efficiency. In the future, teachers should further improve these methods and widely apply them in the educational process. This will serve to form a high level of speech culture, independent thinking and creative approach in students.

REFERENCES

Gulamov A. Methodology of teaching the native language. – Tashkent: Teacher, 2010. – pp. 145–150.

Mahmudov N. Language and speech culture. – Tashkent: Science, 2018. – pp. 98–105.

Matchonov S. Interactive methods in native language education. – Tashkent: Innovation, 2020. – pp. 67–72.

Harmer J. How to Teach English. – London: Longman, 2007. – pp. 120–130.

Essay from Nurmatova Charosxon Pirnazar qizi

The Application of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Education and Society

Nurmatova Charosxon Pirnazar qizi

Annotation:

This article attempts to conduct a fundamental analysis of how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital ecosystems—one of the greatest technological and ontological turning points of human civilization—are reshaping the global architecture of society. The paper scientifically substantiates the inefficiency of traditional educational paradigms and the emergence of adaptive algorithmic systems that expand human cognitive abilities.

The central idea of the research is to interpret AI not merely as a technical tool, but as a “catalyst” that enhances the intellectual potential of society. The findings present innovative strategies for personalizing the educational process, eliminating the digital divide, and adapting to transformations in the labor market. In the context of technological determinism, the concept of a “Humanistic Digital Society” is proposed, which prioritizes the human factor and digital ethics.

Main Part:

Today, the educational process has moved from the stage of “information transmission” to the stage of an “intellectual ecosystem.” Artificial intelligence (AI) here functions not only as a tool but also as a personalized learning companion.

Digital technologies enable a transition from vertical (hierarchical) governance systems to horizontal (network-based) structures in society. Society is now measured not by geographical boundaries, but by “data flows.” In modern governance, digital models of cities, transport systems, and even social groups are being created.

With the help of AI, optimizing resources (energy, water, logistics) not only increases economic efficiency but also systematically eliminates corruption and subjectivism associated with human factors. According to research, by 2030, AI will perform up to 85% of tasks such as data entry, standard calculations, and basic diagnostics. This leaves humans responsible mainly for empathy, creativity, negotiation (soft skills), and ethical judgment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, artificial intelligence and digital technologies are not merely the next innovation, but a new chapter in the intellectual evolution of human civilization. This study shows that transformation in the education system is not just about replacing textbooks with tablets—it is about creating a “personal intellectual environment” that elevates each individual’s potential to an unlimited level and expands their cognitive abilities.

Nurmatova Charosxon, Uzbekistan 

Poetry from Abigail George

The Interior Castle

Nights are lonely,

days too

The light

The light

All this light

The curtains

The big screen television

The plate

The cup

The knife

The fork

They’re lonely

They talk about Gaza 

less and less these days

It’s quietened down

The question is rather about Trump,

and does he have 

a chemical imbalance

Grief,

well, grief comes to me in waves,

with fanfare and declaration

If I say 

that I will 

remember you

Will you 

remember 

me too?

What is this grief?

What is this sadness?

Let me sit beside the sea 

and count the waves 

Let me sit here

and remember your face 

in my hands, or as you

turned towards me,

your hand in mine

as you confessed

that your heart loved me,

as you proclaimed that I was beautiful,

as we regained hopefulness

that we had found each other again 

in the wilderness

of the lost years

Even now I find 

novel meaning in your absence,

You left me with the strength,

a power and will

to carry on

I want to tell you that

with my whole heart

You’re not here

You’re not here now,

anymore

Yet you’re alive for another woman

Grief in my heart

biting at me like a rat

cutting at me like a knife

Stay there in the wilderness,

make a home there

Marry another

Marry the woman in your life

Make her your wife

She’ll call you husband

as I lay in this bed,

this ward,

this hospital

As a city, Gaza,

is under siege,

as children die like flies

I remember the 

chocolate bar I gave you

The one the magistrate gave to me

You were beautiful to me,

kind to me

I called you “Husband”

Yes, I did

I did

Now I write these sad poems

to reach you

Do you finally understand 

who I am as a woman?

It’s come much too late

Your understanding of me

All I have is the flowers in your eyes

This grief and melancholia,

this daylight,

the smell of the meat burning in the pot

Well, they all taste like tears to me.

The shape of your neck

I am a wave

I am tired

I am as tired as a wave

The wave is inside of me

The wave is Gaza

The wave is a shack

The wave is waiting to be liberated

The wave is the Freedom Fighter

The wave is the land

The wave is the title deed to the land

The wave is the doorway to humanity

I am a wave

I am the water in the wave

I am tired

I am tired

Comrade, I am tired of waiting for freedom

The wave is a bird

The wave is Charles Bukowski’s

Linda vacuuming

The wave is an empty glass

The wave is the rot in this country

The wave is blue

The wave is full of cloud

I am the wave

I am tired

Letter To A Poet In Gaza

There is one moon

There is still bread

There are photographs 

of who you were before 

this madness

buried under rubble

There are roses and life

Life!

There is the laughter of a child

But in war what do you have?

There is no birdsong,

only a cage,

only this prison,

only the camps

To survive you write

You must!

You have poems and poetry,

the ability to write,

and that must be enough,

sufficient in a sense

to keep on going,

to keep on living, 

to keep on breathing

It must

But one thing I wanted 

to ask you is this

Do you still smile?

The Child In Time

Sun bright and hot

I have no clock

to count the hands of time,

the length of this war

Sun, why aren’t you happy?

Is it because children are dying?

Sons and daughters of the earth,

of Palestine,

of the Muslim world?

Is it because ordinary people 

are turned into martyrs

by bombs and airstrikes?

I sip green tea in a tranquil garden,

a calm sea of green

but I’m angry

Angry that another daughter has no father,

that they aren’t being educated

to the tune of philosophy, poetry,

literature, political science and economics

There is no music in war unless 

musicians are playing instruments

There is no you without me

Can’t you see that?

Mothers cry for their sons

Stop, please stop

Make it stop

Children are crying 

for the ethnic cleansing to stop

This morning all there is to see

is an avalanche of rubble

I left you standing there

Was it yesterday

Who knows how far you 

have travelled by now

under a bright sun,

under a hot sun

Who knows when we 

will meet again traveller, 

child in time?

Just remember this

You are not the genocide

that the world 

has forgotten about.

Cloud People

By Abigail George

The clouds

I long to see the clouds

People

I long to see people too

Sometimes I see people

in the clouds

Sometimes I see 

your brown eyes too

Cats and dogs

Well, where are they?

Only skulls remain

A few years ago

there were flowers 

on the table,

there was oil, flour and water 

to make bread

Now there is only the salt in the sea,

the cold reality of war, 

of hunger, of innocence lost

It hurts

It hurts

It hurts

The membrane that is your silence hurts

The gland that your loneliness consists of hurts

Yes, even your memory hurts

It just reminds me of your absence

Yes, it hurts

Every night in my dreams I ask you

When are you coming back to me?

I am waiting for your return.