Poetry from Madina Abdullayeva

Young Central Asian woman with dark black hair and a black top and sweater. She has a smiley emoji above her face.
Madina Abdullayeva

One day, a person from the House of Mercy and Generosity came to our school and told us to write a letter to the children there. We came with our classmates to write letters to our peers there. I started to write a letter, but for some reason I got discouraged. I thought that whatever I write, whatever I write will make them happy. Then I finished the beautiful lines and sent my precious bead inside the letter. 

A few days later, I received a reply to my letter. He wrote my name on the letter and sent it. Reading the letter, I was very moved. I started thinking about them from that day. How wonderful it is to listen to children in need and their dreams and hopes. 

They are always waiting for their parents to come to where
they live. They do not stop hoping. We should learn patience from them.

When they looked out of the window, they saw their parents holding their children for a walk, carrying ice cream.

They look with envy at those who walk. Among these children, there are no children who are hopeless and have lost their desire for life. They dream that their loved ones will come for so many years. But it is natural for them to become uninterested in life after it is no longer useful. They promise themselves that they will never leave their child here!!!

There are no people who do not let them have such hopes. Among us are kind and generous people who bring gifts and money for them.\
Seeing their kindness, the children say that when they grow up, they will extend my hands of love and generosity to children like these people. A child is the greatest blessing of God.....!

God entrusts the child to people as a TRUST.
But BETRAYING DEPOSIT is a big sin....
Think twice before abandoning your child. A child is a blessing created from your body and soul. He is the successor of your lineage, the builder of the foundation of the future. Do not break their dreams and happiness. Don't give children the world - children will give you the world...

Only if you stand in front of them with strength and confidence.

Poetry from Aminova O’g’iloy

Young Central Asian woman with an embroidered headdress, long black braided hair, and a blue and white patterned collared shirt speaking at a lectern with a microphone.
Aminova O’g’iloy
Spring

You are the season of youth, this world will bright,
Fields live in a green world,
I sing for you, pen in hand,
Bring joy to hearts, spring!

Bring confidence to hearts, spring,
Bring peace and harmony, spring,
Come and pick the flowers of goodness, spring,
Bring happiness and joy, spring!

When the apricot blossoms, these gardens are white,
The mountains are full of crimson tulips,
This spring leads to sweet dreams,
Spring is the bride of the seasons.

Aminova Ogiloy was born on October 15, 2008 in the Yoshlik neighborhood of the Tortkol district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Young poet and reader. Her creative works have been published in countries such as Turkey, Great Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and India.

Essay from Qurbonova Shakhriyo

Central Asian teen girl with a white blouse and headscarf and black skirt and a card on a lanyard standing next to a blue, red, and white Uzbek flag.
Qurbonova Shakhriyo
TEACHING PROFESSION IN UZBEKISTAN

A teacher is a pedagogue, an employee of the secondary and higher education system, and is engaged in teaching pupils and students.
A teacher, a teacher is a specialist who carries out educational work with students in secondary general education schools, academic lyceums and vocational colleges of various fields. 

High School Teachers are called teacher, and pedagogue is also used to refer to teachers. The teaching profession has existed since ancient times as a special type of human activity. Because a
person can continue and develop his life only because of education. 

Historical and cultural monuments found in ancient centers of civilization such as Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Turkestan, India, China show that the teaching profession was formed in these countries in very ancient times. During these times, the most intelligent, experienced people were teaching and they had great privileges over others.

During the period when the society was flourishing, attention to it was high, or the society prospered because the position of the Teacher rose. After the October coup, and in order to fulfill the task of making the masses fully literate, which the Soviets set before them, a systematic training of teachers was launched in Turkestan. 

Because there was a need for specialists working in the schools opened all over the country. For this reason, teachers were not involved in the war in the first years of the Soviet government. During the Shura period, when the education system was subordinated to ideology, teachers were turned into a dominant policy-making force. They were involved more than the norm in various ideological, political and organizational activities not directly related to education. Engaging in uncharacteristic activities has led to a decline in the reputation of teachers.

Like other republics of the former Union, in Uzbekistan, from April 10, 1936, the title (specialty) of private teachers was introduced by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the USSR. Since then, a person who has graduated from an educational institution and passed the state exam will be officially given the title of teacher. 

After Uzbekistan gained independence, special attention was paid to teacher training. This is reflected in the Education Law (adopted on August 29, 1997) and the National Training Program. In Uzbekistan,
teachers are trained at universities and pedagogic schools. In the course of their pedagogical activity, teachers acquire scientific knowledge and develop their pedagogical skills. A teacher training system has been introduced in the country, every teacher is given the opportunity to receive free pedagogical and methodical support at teacher training institutes. Teachers and Mentors Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Uzbekistan every year on October 1. The republic has such honorary titles as People's Teacher of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Honored Public Education Worker of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Honored Youth Coach of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

Teachers have the shortest working hours and the longest paid vacation. Also, public education for teachers and pedagogical newspapers and magazines, including Marifat in Uzbek, Uchitelskaya Gazeta and Teachers Gazette in Russian, People's Education; Primary Education and Continuing Education and Education Development Journals, and Education and Education Language and Literature Education and pedagogical and methodical literature
are published.

When I came to the higher education institution for the first time, my teacher Iroda Boybekova accepted me. They are very kind and intelligent people. They always help us. I want to be a good teacher like them. Iroda Boybekova is the ideal woman for me. My favorite teachers are Zaynab Egamnazarova and Nafisa Adambayeva. I want to become a teacher like them in the future.

Kurbanova Shakhriyo, Sherali's daughter, was born on May 15, 2004 in the village of Kenguzar, Sariosia District, Surkhandarya Region. The first poetry collection of 2017, "You are the only holy Motherland!" published under her name. Later, the books Magic Pen and Country Gardens were published. Shahriyo Kurbanova is an official member of the international organization Iqro Foundation of India. 

Short story from Jim Meirose

#0 – No and Maybe – Maybe and No first f’st’s           

CARD 1:  Are whirlybirds! No. Why do you hate your Mother, Sonboy? Maybe. The Host of the Lambs. Maybe. We can tell you think you are better than us. No. Give water to the thief on the Lord’s right first. No. The Captain’s a bird. Maybe. Doing this job up Panama mountain. Maybe. I am not so I must be so I am.

CARD 2: We’re just a bank. No. We are not responsible for any of our lands. No. Oh. Maybe. I’m in it firm now. Maybe. Huh. No. Eh, Mister Small, what you need to call off your bark? No. Wheah’ he be Knockie? Maybe. Hey, my hippo. Maybe. I suffer for the sake of Percy ‘cause I’m Percy. No. So. No. Deck We’re dealt.

CARD 3: Rap-bands. Maybe. Nice touch yonder sailor-suit, bah! Maybe. Your entirely-entire line of the usual spew. No. Brainypup Breeding farm. No. Barbazee! Maybe. Thank God it’s a joke. Maybe. Some slimy cosmic law varies everything. No. From cook number one to cook number hey. No. The nonexistent center-point of my sky-high cranium.

CARD 4: His foe is his opposite. Maybe. Now you may sing out your complete version of yourself. Maybe. Please go. No. Your defense rests. No. My children are reduced to consuming orphanage mush three times daily. Maybe. Repairback now to formulate the render upon you. Maybe. The world is indeed a dense place. No. Base trash-mashers. No. Step back let me gag.  

CARD 5: Now he will let it go. Maybe. So nod, chew a lip. Maybe. Whatever you do, Captain, gives me another question to say. No. Carve out a round plug with the spade to outline your largening cranial posthole. No. Lets pull that stringy meatlump back inside the out of itself a bit. Maybe. No wait Bezonas Bezono no no wait Bezoni sed ne Stop Povas stop calculating. Maybe. Rudeman Boy or Peanut-Gasman.

CARD 6: Bitching like a hosed-down horny farmbull! No. A lie is just another task to be completed. No. You as a Doctor are not to sicken patients down. Maybe. Great job Mister Renpasta. Maybe. Why is she up there all mounted in that balcony? No. I am just the bloom guy.

CARD 7: Your anchored in silly loose jelly beliefs. No. But then again, I expected that outcome to be. Maybe. Yeah. Maybe. The boss had supplied him with the skill to work entirely by eye. No. I resent this interloper spying. No. Shit job of du wirst die wohning wech seln. Maybe. Seasonal toy factory assembly line. Maybe. Look at that moon—there’s a face.

CARD 8: Lake Superior quick-drying rash-wax. No. Enter the regimented phase of your life. No. Swarming green gillfish. Maybe. Perhaps if he did not automatically recognize her, she’d prove to be someone else. Maybe. A painless death when finally dead, but—in the process of—indescribably cruel. No. Number of aortas in the world. No. Rude boys.

CARD 9: Making babies. Maybe. Adopting dogs. Maybe. Dog shelter roulette wheel. No. Which is more of a roulette wheel. No. Just because Dad hates sausage, you do not lose your natural right to decide on sausage for yourself. Maybe. Even before Sonboy was born they were three. Maybe. Deep in the weeds you may be, but the ground below is solid. No. Calling myself nobody, the best term to use.

CARD 10: Missouri predawn physical training with shooting stars. No. Do not live long enough to die. Maybe. Dad does not like sausages? Maybe. It will never really have happened. No. Globe box under tree—Replogle book came with. No. Stockade fence—party on one side dog walk on other. Maybe. Remco Rocket Cannon. Maybe. Battleships. No. Aircraft carrier. No. Gas station. Maybe. Wedding dress. Maybe. Heavy smell. No. Humid & Hot.

CARD 11: Escape from Doctor Grundig. No. Globe factory. Maybe. Mom met Dad. Maybe. Part two. No. Plywood versus solid wood. No. Globe factory. Maybe. Mom met Dad. Maybe. Part one. No. She makes him breakfast—all is solved! No. Mom and Sonboy—united—all tinychilds are one. Maybe. Maybe. No.

Bio has changed:   Jim Meirose’s work has been widely published. His novels include “Sunday Dinner with Father Dwyer”(Optional Books), “Understanding Franklin Thompson”(JEF), “Le Overgivers au Club de la Résurrection”(Mannequin Haus), “No and Maybe – Maybe and No”(Pski’s Porch), “Audio Bookies” (LJMcD Communications), “Et Tu” (C22 press), “The Private Adventures of Fresh Detective Gerdulon” and “The Box” (both fr. Alien Buddha Press).   Info: www.jimmeirose.com @jwmeirose

Essay from Shahnoza Ochildiyeva

Young Central Asian teen girl with straight dark hair in a ponytail behind her head, her head resting on her hand, and a white ruffly blouse.
Shahnoza Ochildiyeva

Thanks, 2023!

The year is coming to an end. At the end of each year, the old year is summarized. New plans and dreams are set for the new year. It is a very enjoyable work for me too.

Today, when I look at the past year, I saw a lot of good and bad events. They are all gone and it is impossible to change them. But it is possible to draw the right conclusions from the mistakes of the past year and welcome the new year with strength from the successes.

For the past year, I have tried to achieve my goals as much as I can. Of course, the result is not bad. At the beginning of 2023, my personal book was published in America and was put on sale in 26 countries of the world. It inspired me to create even more. I stepped into the international world. Many of my creative works have been published in international newspapers and magazines. At the same time, I was recognized by the international newspaper "The Daily Global Nation" as an ambassador of international peace. I participated in the II International Congress "Youth Tourism", which left me with beautiful memories and great impressions. I was in the youth circle, in the conversation of my peers.

I actively participated in international conferences and projects.
With my article, I won the 2nd place in the competition of traditional creative works of the Republic of Uzbekistan, "Protect Wealth from Childhood", announced by the favorite newspaper of children and teenagers in Uzbekistan, "Tong Yuzi".

I am happy to say that I spent the year with beautiful memories, kind words, wonderful books and good people. I tried to sweeten myself, my dreams and words, to live happily. So many times I felt infinite gratitude with all my heart. I loved God! There were so many beautiful messages that I cried. I took a risk and trusted him, and it turned out to be good.

But there were many difficulties, problems and worries. I wanted to laugh it all off! I chose long roads and sleepless nights. Because it's all for my future! But I am always grateful to my parents who always supported me in such difficult times. They inspired, gave the best of motivation.

I am very happy now that I am summarizing my two years. I intend to fulfill my intentions next year.

Dear friends, I wish you endless happiness, joy and success in the New Year! Love yourself! Live every moment! If you stay at night work, be fascinated by the beauty of the moon and stars. And don't forget to give thanks for the sun every day!

Shahnoza Ochildiyeva
Uzbekistan❤️

Poetry from Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa

Light skinned Filipina woman with reddish hair, a green and yellow necklace, and a floral pink and yellow and green blouse.
Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa

My dearest, 

Why be sad on New Year?
Why shed a precious tear? 
The end of past is so near
Beginnings can't you hear?
Life may be unfair as it is so
Tonight, let every pain just go
Struggle, disillusion you know
To hopelessness don't kowtow
Tonight, a new cloth to weave
Do not add reasons to grieve
New dream for heart to receive
Just let it go, hope to perceive
Life is beautiful, you must fight
Hold on to your courage tight
Don't underestimate spirit's might
Look forward to Future so bright.


True Gift

A gift is a basket of laughter
Where all good times gather
A gift is a big bowl of smile
Memories more than a mile
A gift is thick bouquet of sigh
Romances flying way up high
A gift is warm blanket of fear
Where rare peace I hold dear
A gift is crystal glass of doubt
Confused as what is life about
A gift is a teacup full of tears
Pains and griefs no one hears
A gift is able to feel the free air
Love anger hope and despair
A gift is chance to live and strive
Despite all continue to thrive

Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa was born January 14, 1965, in Manila Philippines. She has worked as a retired Language Instructor, interpreter, caregiver, secretary, product promotion employee, and private therapeutic masseur. Her works have been published as poems and short story anthologies in several language translations for e-magazines, monthly magazines, and books; poems for cause anthologies in a Zimbabwean newspaper; a feature article in a Philippine newspaper; and had her works posted on different poetry web and blog sites. She has been writing poems since childhood but started on Facebook only in 2014. For her, Poetry is life and life is poetry. 

Lilian Kunimasa considers herself a student/teacher with the duty to learn, inspire, guide, and motivate others to contribute to changing what is seen as normal into a better world than when she steps into it. She has always considered life as an endless journey, searching for new goals, and challenges and how she can in small ways make a difference in every path she takes. She sees humanity as one family where each one must support the other and considers poets as a voice for truth in pursuit of equality and proper stewardship of nature despite the hindrances of distorted information and traditions.


Synchronized Chaos Mid-December 2023: Within and Without

We continue to express sorrow over what’s happening in so many different parts of the world and encourage our readers to support people and the planet.

Woman staring straight ahead with a large butterfly on top of her head with open wings.

Also, we are hosting our Metamorphosis gathering again! This is a chance for people to share music, art, and writing and to dialogue across different generations (hence the name, the concept of ideas morphing and changing over the years). So far photographer Rebecca Kelly and English/Spanish bilingual poet Bridgett Rex are part of the lineup and more are welcome! This event is also a benefit for the grassroots Afghan women-led group RAWA, which is currently supporting educational and income generation and literacy projects in Afghanistan as well as assisting earthquake survivors. (We don’t charge or process the cash, you are free to donate online on your own and then attend!)

This will be Sunday, December 31st, 2-4 pm in the fellowship hall of Davis Lutheran Church at 317 East 8th Street in Davis, California. It’s a nonreligious event open to all, the church has graciously allowed us to use the meeting room.

You may sign up here for event reminders. RSVP appreciated but not required.

This month’s issue concerns our positions within time and space, sometimes pulling us deeper within our own psyches and intimate relationships and at other times drawing us outward into a broader universe, or simply destabilizing our normal perspectives. Join us as we venture Within and Without.

Woman with a painted blue and white and purple face in outline on a dark blue background.
YD Photography India

Niles Reddick’s dramatic pieces highlight the danger and mystery hidden within everyday life. Bill Tope’s piece illuminates the fluidity and risks of young people’s lives and travels during the American 1960s.

Helena Jiang explores how our mental states color our perceptions by taking us outside on a bicycle ride through the eyes of a grieving boy and out on a sailing ship through the eyes of an artist.

Sheila Henry illustrates the visceral experience of depression to encourage empathy for those who endure mental health struggles. Alma Ryan dramatizes anticipatory grief for the loss of a person who cares, but cannot truly understand her.

Thoreau famously claimed that many men live lives of quiet desperation. Returning poet J.J. Campbell must surely be among them, as his speakers seek to dull their souls as their hopes drift away.

Ari Nystrom-Rice illustrates the journey of a person facing intractable damnation.

Fleet of ships with white sails navigating the sea on a partly cloudy and rainy day.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Filip Zubatov tells us to stop lying to ourselves and set goals and take action and make the most of our lives. Jerry Langdon comments on the brevity of life with solar mythology as a metaphor and reminds us to tell our loved ones we care while we are still here.

Taylor Dibbert reflects on how many people only seek marital counseling when it’s too late. Kristy Raines looks back on romantic love and on life’s ups and downs from a mature perspective.

Abdurazokova Murad urges parents to set down their phones and pay attention to the growth and education of their children and also reminds us to make the most of the limited lives ahead of us. Bakhora Bakhtiyorova speaks to wise, balanced parenting while at the same time encouraging all people, especially young people, to seize the day and achieve their goals.

Sabrina Ishmurotova’s poignant poem illustrates a young girl’s longing for her lost father. Mokhinur Askarova speculates on who would miss her if she disappeared. Faleeha Hassan’s speaker remembers a complicated relationship with her mother, where love commingled with grief.

Boqijonova Madinabonu reflects on the love of family and how mothers are often the glue that holds families together, even after children grow up and move out.

A man of color sits with his back to us and holds a book that he's reading to two white boys, one with blond hair and the other with brown hair. There are encyclopedias and other books and a globe stacked on a table between the man and the boys.
Image c/o Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan

Qodirova Madinabonu Mirzamaxmud praises the care and guidance of teachers in her poem of respect to them, while Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa reminds us of the innocent wisdom of children who have not yet learned prejudices.

Annie Johnson evokes love that is both spiritual and interpersonal in her poetry, which celebrates the light and joy of Christmas.

A. Iwasa reviews the second issue of Signal, A Journal of International Political Graphics and Culture and concludes that the magazine holds wisdom from a variety of political and philosophical traditions.

Hauwa Jibrin cries out in anguish at war and brokenness in his country while Santiago Burdon expresses his support for the Palestinian people to find peace and self-determination. Aklima Ankhi celebrates the independence of her homeland of Bangladesh and shares her hope for peace in the world and freedom for all its people. Mahbub joins her in rejoicing in his home nation’s birthday, taking pride in his country’s founding as a victorious struggle of formerly oppressed people.

Daniel De Culla reminds us that the shiny veneer of the holiday season is not enough to cover over systemic injustice and brutalities, including religious leaders’ sweeping child sexual abuse under the rug.

Triumphant blindfolded Lady Justice statue holding the empty scales and a sword in her outstretched arms. Green background with white stars and circles gives an ethereal feel.
Image c/o Kai Stachowiak

Noah Berlatsky calls out the financially exploitative nature of practices within the writing world and the struggle of many for just a chance to be seen.

John Mellender’s poem speculates on the true nature of courage, what gives us the strength, or foolhardiness, to throw our bodies against the iron bars of life’s injustices.

Mesfakus Salahin’s tale concerns a clever boy determined to keep honest and preserve his self-respect. Sayani Mukherjee speaks to remaining near the light of truth, even if you are alone with a small candle.

Stephen Nwankwo expresses his determined hope for the future of his country.

Bill Tope’s second story highlights the struggles of many young women to be believed and understood after sexual assault. Set during a time just a few decades in America’s past, the story shows an otherwise loving and caring mother who wants to empower her daughter, yet has her generational blind spots.

Person doing pushups on a rock by a lake with mountains in the distance and clouds in the sky. Sunrise or sunset.
Image c/o Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan

Isabel Gomes de Diego’s photography of children sightseeing in the city is tinged with wonder and joy, encouraging all of us to glimpse the world through fresh eyes.

Daniel De Culla’s images highlights juxtapositions, disparities and conjunctions within environments both natural and human-built.

Phil Demise Smith’s graphic novel chronicles and halts the movement of time and how it organizes chaos into a series of moments, the present.

Brian Michael Barbeito’s poems capture lush natural and seasonal environments: the sea, fields in spring and trees in autumn, in language both atmospheric and philosophical. In a similar, but more personified and romanticized, vein, Sreya Sarkar renders snowflakes into ballerinas that distract the sky and a lost thoroughfare.

Brian Michael Barbeito’s artwork aims to capture the spirits of places, both extreme closeups and panoramic vistas that incorporate nature and human construction and pose the question of how exactly we define “place.”

Single tree (leafy Japanese maple) growing in a lake on a single mound of dirt.
Image c/o Jean Beaufort

Don Bormon conveys the endurance and sturdiness of trees, both physically and ecologically as the backbone of so many ecosystems.

Texas Fontanella’s visual art connects a dizzying expansive explosion of angle and shape and color.

Z.I. Mahmud outlines ways in which the technical craft of cinematography affects the visual impact of storytelling in movies. Steven Mayoff probes the similarities and differences between writing prose and song lyrics.

J.D. Nelson brings more of his signature ‘graf’ poetry, with one liners stringing together images and sounds like a garland.

Grant Guy’s visual poetry melds Morse code, squiggles and graphics, absurdist humor, and oddly placed inspirational messages. Mark Young’s work juxtaposes varying units of sense into pieces that, oddly, flow together.

We hope the same is true of this issue, and we wish you a very happy holiday season.