He never stopped working for his family He thought about the happiness of his children He always lived happily and with a smile My dear, gentle, kind lord
He always held my shoulder and kissed me He always prayed for me When I cried, he wiped my tears from my face My lord, he also gave me joy
He never bowed his head when trouble came He looked for an opportunity in every task He always supported his loved ones My dear, sweet-spoken, generous lord
[Excerpt from Fleury’s book: Chain Letter To America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism:
A Collection of Essays, Fiction and Poetry Celebrating Multiculturalism
“Coming Home” Photo Art c/o Jacques Fleury
Well, because a fall leaf fell before my feet today I see In serendipity I yearn to live daily, Consider this my soliloquy. To awake to its bounty of unlawful acts of intrepid beauty I yearn to taste the morning dew on my tongue at sunrise, That is to feel again; to unfurl my wings like silver springs And fly again; to sound out sounds yet to be heard; Supposedly it’s all been sounded, Supposedly it’s all been said, But not by me so here I am, like a black-tailed deer prancing on wobbly legs, Trying not to remember that I was once hunted so that I can Imagine a world without hunters; but I do remember and that’s how I got stronger. I yearn to bay at the moon at night but not like a black wolf, But a white swan flouncing on the foamy lake. I want a world of butterflies and rainbows… Yes, I want to have my cliché and eat it too. Poets! Allow me to harangue you: Coveting prizes and publication can consume you! Defy and denounce racism! Confront and contain classism. Confer and celebrate humanism. Pursue the ultimate orgasm! Happiness is accepting the life you see, Be happy and enjoy your journey. My heart has been doused in the dawn of new age reality: Not unlike the reality TV that gave me a place to hide in uncertainty; No one is talking. Everyone is texting. Social media: the new pathway to a social life. We are in a crisis of technological isolation! So technically we are less and less connected And more and more isolated. Caught in the cross fires of neocolonial consumerism, I want to live a life free of materialism, free of egoism; I want to be like Buddha. I want to meditate all day and sleep all night. Keep your dreams alive! I once publicly hid from love; I yearn to love again like the moon tickling the midnight sea; “You are a true Poet, don’t EVER let them take that away from you.” They told me. Now here I am, battered and bruised, my silver wings have dulled By the wear and tear of my new reality: not quite young, not quite old, not quite done; Yet I’ve resolved to flail my silver wings again against the moon lit skies, This time without worry, And come home to my original love Of prose and poetry.
your automatic sleep stampede built on the bifocal
Fractal gladiator carries lugubrious toy rifles
A coffee is a squares pipes
the registering girl flowed streaming wet
rain in the looped army
oceans slowly open child
glittering morphological lining
recorder kept single pudding
palm world powers narcissist module
then stuck dripping steamed gulf
wooden dress could hyphenate
swift blackness the transverse thin for water
circles surged dactyl our dead
cars solids curtains tiny jaguars wanted another explosives
vast software guns arranged someone to the stretched
PERISCOPE
She bumped red suns
crackling white galactic
clicking engines luminous
orange car slammed ink animals
sonorous notifier flaming griffin
simple hand put down porcelain
tingling troops tumbling
The bright inter-spaced creatures
engravings lengthen estuary
tanks ensconce over echo kill
printed lance the white words
leather waterfalls of tranquil light
translucent faded statues
mysterious Indian rays
The few people of ice gods
crazy hyperborean troops
darkened day package
resistant sailor tripped
office burns the air
run in the fine summer Data
imperial curtains shook the machine
The lamp her curling clerks
zinc encircled candle furry with anesthetize threshold
the whipper shut moons
reflection in pinball
dressed eye and clouds
but static torch falling
plastic antique face hid guns
LINCOLN LOOP
A geometrical design drifted past
disconnected hands twinkle
a fold in the flows held a glassine eye
facsimiles of dead space in the disorganized area
in blue time desolation thread broke
a complex flow disconnected the intruding lines
design accident instar horizon
automatic movements of the tiny area
ballerina knew the suspected man
Burning specters like thought wings
a lake that glitters with radioactive fluorescence
something strained almost to breaking
ashes frayed like threads of fabric
the darkness depressed child propellant
blotted minds with metabolic radiocarbon
Sumerians slide down glistening icicles
tropical bomb suddenly formed fish channel
gnomic trouser that first discovered life
THE PROXY INTELLIGENCE
Candied terabyte of meson water
rubbed a couple of skies with
xenon supply paper
submerged thickness of brownstone
partially pulling regrettable friends
Osiris piloted 3 musketeers
scooped bronze hospital ship with frozen stamp
Dixie hook looks with lucrative sugar
Mars girls stay with area 56 in underwater fur
tank curves in noteworthy knees
ultraviolet rainbows over a microwave sea
dispenser of strangeness strikes strontium
sea breakfast gives an inch
analgesic reprisal of quick colonnade
our Goliath buildup uses his plush nightlife
accidentally flattens bobcat
Didn’t rinse sylphs with metallic blood
opening calibration out of vortex aggregate
specters appear in the polar ring
knight clamps nettle out of cubed windows
capacitor crowns tactless morphology
French flags wash beautiful scrimshaw
foobar needs camerawork structures
waterfalls on pirate ship pumping high
FURRY CHILDREN
Someones touch electrified the visiplates
blood and bone only with eyes of iron
this but sparkles and hovers
the fire banister became Egyptian
king of sleep in concession stand
geometric anthem sometimes covers sky
attached flare of sizzling ripples
commandos pierce narrow blind
hands drift in darkness
milky teeth traps tank beneath polar bears
there parted somewhere heroes
Machine looking into small fingerprints
closed uniformity glasses
filing furry children from willows Garbo
small earth fell over the night rays of birds
Little John resplendent in the tiny tools of time
later doom to atoms behind the kangaroo
green against this studded thunder
water patiently wears the edge
stopped dreaming fishes
thought seeps into the very spaces between
pressure zone conceals enormous carved gargoyles
Gregory Wallace has been making art of various kinds for at least 50 years. He was active in the mail art scene in the 80s and participated in international mail art exhibits and correspondence. Mr. Wallace was a founding editor of Oblivion magazine and has published several books of poetry including The Girl With Seven Hands, The Return of the Cyclades, and Exile and Kingdom Come. His artistic activity encompasses poetry, collage, sculpture, assemblage, photography and painting. His work has appeared in Typo, BlazeVox, #Ranger, Synchronized Chaos, and God’s Cruel Joke.
A thatched cottage to shield from wind, cold, heat and damp,
Why would I squeeze into the steel and concrete jungle?
No matter how large a house can be measured,
The human heart remains unfathomable.
The fragrance of wildflowers along the path is natural and pure.
Even amidst thousands of houses and lanes, a single glance is enough.
If the heart is filled with light, brightness will abound everywhere.
Lights shine on faces, affairs cater to the powerful and rich.
I’ve wasted my prosperous days in vain,
Touched by the vastness of this worldly way.
I yearn to move to an isolated island,
Watching over the empty wilderness on all sides.
A single ladle of water, a single drink,
Are enough to make my heart turn toward the light.
January 2, 2026, 08:51
Comment: A Search for a Pure Land amidst the Hustle and Bustle
Anna Keiko’s “My Spiritual Home” is like a clear spring, flowing with a deep longing for a pure spiritual world amidst the hustle and bustle of the mundane world, touching and inspiring readers’ hearts.
The imagery in the poem is ingeniously used with strong contrasts. The “acre of fertile land” and the “thatched cottage” form a sharp contrast with the world built of “steel and concrete”. The former is simple and rustic, an ideal haven of peace and freedom; while the latter, though its space can be measured, has an unfathomable human heart, revealing the spiritual emptiness behind material prosperity. The natural fragrance of the “wildflower path” and the worldly disturbances of the “thousands of houses and lanes” further highlight the poet’s yearning for nature and authenticity, as well as her alienation from the utilitarian and mundane.
The emotional expression is sincere and profound. The poet directly conveys her inner belief: “If the heart is filled with light, brightness will abound everywhere”, spreading a positive and uplifting energy and making people believe that inner light can dispel all darkness. Regarding worldly prosperity, the poet laments in无奈 (helplessness), “I’ve wasted my prosperous days in vain, Touched by the vastness of this worldly way.” In a reality where power and wealth reign supreme, her loneliness and confusion are evident, and this emotion can easily resonate with readers.
The artistic conception is profound and full of philosophy. The “yearning to move to an isolated island” is not an escape from reality but a pursuit of inner peace. In the empty wilderness, she can blend with nature and find her true self. “A single ladle of water, a single drink, Are enough to make my heart turn toward the light” reveals that happiness does not lie in material abundance but in inner fulfillment and tranquility, containing profound life wisdom.
The language is simple yet full of charm, without the embellishment of flowery words, yet it can accurately convey emotions and thoughts. “If I had an acre of fertile land, A thatched cottage to shield from wind, cold, heat and damp” is simple and plain but creates a sense of peace and serenity. The rhythm is also natural and harmonious, forming a rhythm through word combinations and sentence patterns, enhancing the poem’s appeal.
“My Spiritual Home” is an excellent work that leads us to stop in the hustle and bustle, examine our inner selves, and pursue that piece of peace and light that belongs to us.
When we talk about health today, we usually think of the human body, medicine, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals. However, the roots of public health are often overlooked. In reality, they begin on farms, pastures, livestock facilities, and in veterinary clinics. A healthy society is not defined solely by healthy people, but also by healthy animals, safe food, and responsible drug use. In this sense, the phrase “Healthy livestock – a healthy society” is not merely a slogan, but a vital reality.
Livestock farming is one of the fundamental economic and social pillars of any society. Meat, milk, eggs, and dietary products are integral components of everyday human nutrition. Yet we rarely reflect on the conditions under which these products are produced, the medications administered to animals, or the extent to which these processes are regulated. In fact, any issue related to animal health ultimately affects human health.
One of the most serious global challenges discussed in recent years is antibiotic resistance. This problem does not originate only in hospitals. On the contrary, one of its major sources is the uncontrolled and improper use of antibiotics in livestock farming. In some cases, antibiotics are administered not for therapeutic purposes, but to accelerate animal growth or as a preventive measure. As a result, bacteria adapt to these drugs, rendering commonly used antibiotics ineffective in humans. This poses a serious threat to public health.
Unfortunately, attitudes toward drug use remain problematic. Some livestock owners administer medications without consulting a veterinarian, relying on the belief that “this drug worked before.” In other cases, dosages are not followed correctly, and treatment courses are not completed. Most concerning is the failure to observe withdrawal periods before slaughter. Consequently, drug residues remain in meat and dairy products, which eventually reach the consumer’s table.
This is where the close interconnection between veterinary medicine and pharmacy becomes evident. While veterinarians are responsible for diagnosis and treatment, pharmacists ensure the quality, safety, and correct use of medicines. Without effective collaboration between these professionals, medications may cause more harm than benefit. Therefore, veterinary pharmacy is not merely a professional field, but a critical component of public safety.
Today, the market offers a wide range of veterinary medicines, but their quality varies significantly. The issue of counterfeit and substandard drugs is particularly alarming. Such products fail to treat animals effectively and may even worsen diseases. As a result, livestock mortality increases, productivity declines, and economic losses occur. More importantly, these drugs pose an indirect threat to human health. Thus, strict regulation of veterinary medicines is not only a professional responsibility, but a societal necessity.
The issue of healthy livestock is not limited to medication alone. It also encompasses proper husbandry, sanitation, disease prevention, and vaccination systems. Preventing disease has always been more effective and economical than treating it. However, in practice, preventive measures are often neglected, and problems are only addressed once diseases have progressed. This approach is neither economically viable nor beneficial for public health.
At the global level, the concept of “One Health” is becoming increasingly relevant. This approach views human, animal, and environmental health as a single interconnected system. Everything in nature is interrelated: when animals fall ill, humans are put at risk; when the environment is degraded, livestock become more vulnerable; and when medicines are misused, society suffers. Therefore, healthy livestock is not merely an agricultural issue, but a matter of national and global security.
Another crucial aspect is the training of specialists. Modern veterinary medicine and pharmacy require advanced knowledge, technology, and a strong sense of responsibility. However, the gap between theory and practice remains evident. Young professionals must be not only knowledgeable, but also ethical and conscientious. A single mistake can affect an entire chain—from livestock health to human well-being.
As a society, we must also recognize our responsibility. Chasing cheap products and choosing meat or dairy of questionable quality ultimately harms us. Where there is demand, supply follows. If consumers demand safe and high-quality products, producers will be compelled to meet these standards. This, in turn, encourages the production of healthy livestock.
In conclusion, building a healthy society requires more than doctors and pharmacies alone. The process begins on the farm, continues in veterinary clinics, and is reinforced through the pharmaceutical sector. Only when each link in this chain fulfills its role honestly and responsibly can we truly speak of a healthy society. Healthy livestock is not merely about animal welfare—it is a guarantee of the health of future generations.
Many people believe that talent is the main reason some individuals succeed while others do not. From a young age, we are taught to admire people who seem naturally gifted — those who learn quickly, perform effortlessly, and stand out without much struggle. Because of this, talent is often seen as the most valuable quality a person can have. However, in real life, talent alone is rarely enough. Hard work plays a far greater role in achieving long-term success.
Talent is only potential. It gives a person a starting advantage, but it does not guarantee progress. Without effort, talent slowly loses its power. A talented individual who does not practice or improve will eventually fall behind someone who is less gifted but more determined. Hard work allows skills to grow, while talent without effort remains unused. Over time, consistency beats natural ability.
Hard work is what turns ordinary ability into real strength. Success comes from repeated practice, patience, and discipline. Whether in sports, academics, or business, the people who reach the highest level are usually the ones who spend the most time improving themselves. They make mistakes, learn from them, and try again. Talent may help at the beginning, but only hard work leads to mastery.
Another reason hard work is more important than talent is that it builds character. Working hard teaches responsibility, self-control, and persistence. Life is full of challenges, and talent alone cannot prepare someone for failure or disappointment. Hardworking people are more likely to stay focused during difficult times because they are used to putting in effort even when results are slow. These qualities are essential for success in the real world.
In addition, the world values effort more than natural ability. Teachers, employers, and leaders look for people who are reliable, motivated, and willing to improve. Talent might impress others at first, but hard work earns trust and respect over time. A person who consistently works hard will continue to grow, while someone who relies only on talent may stop developing.
Failure also shows the importance of hard work. Everyone fails at some point, but hardworking people do not give up easily. They see failure as a lesson rather than an ending. Instead of quitting, they adjust their approach and keep moving forward. Talent alone often fails when determination is required.
This does not mean talent is useless. Talent can be helpful when it is combined with effort. However, if someone must choose between being talented or being hardworking, hard work is the more powerful choice. Effort creates opportunity, while talent without effort is wasted.
In conclusion, talent may help someone start their journey, but hard work is what carries them to success. Hard work builds skill, character, and resilience — qualities that last a lifetime. True success belongs not to those who are simply gifted, but to those who are willing to work for their goals every day.
Author Note
I am Botirxonov Faxriyor, a 7th-grade student at Karshi Presidential School. I enjoy writing essays and exploring ideas related to education, personal growth, and success. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new ideas and technologies, learning programming skills, watching action movies, and going for walk. I spend my weekends with my family. I have recently started writing articles and finding the process both engaging and motivating
