It's All My Fault

It's all my fault.  I signed up.  They had me type.
Left, right, hault.  Sit, copy - bored.
Ordered "Drop your pants" in the Orderly Room
'cause my unlaundered uniform smelled ripe,
I gave in, my confidence shook - until now, just look:
office factotums of keyboard
everywhere - screens and computers tied on.
Seeing it happen I've been so floored:
my inaction caused all of this gloom
in wage-slaves to the one percent...
Oh my poor colleagues on whom I should fawn,
my collusion was without intent.

It's all my fault, I saw it coming,
What the media's trying to do to us
besides entertain and inform - unbecoming
to show graphic scenes they make such a fuss
of psychic or physical sexual mayhem
or torture delivered in cinema - then, on T.V.,
bought-up home-videos of groin accidents to them
is fare that is favored by us citizenry -
with a musical track.  To those screens'd desensitize
or power'd divide, I admit I'm the one 
who kept silently watching - so must apologize.
With positive passions more our kind of fun
I thought I was gracious in showing some ruth -
but I had forgotten that beauty is truth.

I must claim the fault, suspected we're fated -
the lies were there - should have extrapolated.
The equal chance at happiness we're told we get
when behind the ears we're still quite wet
becomes the need to toil for subsistence wage....
The nice policeman they say kids should trust
gives karate-chop pat-downs, backroom outrage -
not protection or service but a torture bust.
As in families infant sibling empathy,
in society populist sympathy -
and later those arrested in the protests we see -
are put up against the wall by our powers that be....

I'm the one who didn't hold free love together
in a world of possessiveness and jealousy -
though my buddy and I couldn't be sure whether
our girls, having ravished us thoroughly,
couldn't just up and do the same for another;
and, when we asked 'em, heard 'em agree
that my buddy and I could be those other!
Ah, we four had commitment and variety
'til the draft wrote my friend, and he grew quite thin.
So, since one of our girls had an aunt who could cover
their expenses 'til his 4-F deferment came in,
they left.  Four people, each with just one lover -
living as couples in estrangement's sin.

When school, which canceled band and art long since,
to stop phys-ed, but double lunch-hour, tries,
and overeating children make parents wince....
Blame me!  To sedentary stresses wise,
I couldn't my co-desk-workers convince
the balm for our discomfort is Exercise.
T'was sitting, class and office, sixteen hours
a day inspired my half-hour morning jogs,
not my own insight's energizing powers....
Workouts are epicures in stoic togs -
arduous aerobics are invigorating fun
to free sprites from weariness that mind had begun -
I couldn't make it obvious to everyone.

..............................

		Leadership

"The marionetteers of capital
who pull our strings behind the scenes
to drain our strength can't sap it all,"
said the puppet with the shears in his jeans."

.....................

		Inspiration	

When wine country tried my sanity
like a nestless bird with a clear-cut tree
I came to the city for humanity
and a new inspiration for poetry.
The inbound bus was my ship of fools. 
Out its window I tossed my last pack of Kools:
I vowed I'd make, 'til the day I die,
the breath of life my only high -
which now was augmented, to my cost,
by the unavoidability of car exhaust.
...
		Reconsider
With adolescent dreams we bury
so much of human nature too
when youthful premonitions scary
bring mundane fortune into view.

Though by the water's edge lay
a myriad of sphere-cut gem-pebbles
in thier Milky Way arc of the bay -
a particolor night's suns' trebles -

And each colored flare in its bowl
throbs with the starlight of sol.

...

Colored Catastrophe

The world was colors. The streets were made of buttons and a fabric sky was raining droplets of paint that splatter on the world. My cheeks turn to a river of yellows and pinks and blues. They swirl down my arms and into my boots, landing with little plinks as they fall from my fingertips. Sequins stick to my eyes and I assume it’s gotten cold enough to snow. Paint dries on my skin and sticks me in place, staring at the sky. Arms outstretched, eyes wide, mouth wide. 

Pom pom’s land on my tongue and dissolves like cotton candy. Dripping sweet, bitter, sour, cold, boiling. Streaming through my body till I break out of my cast. Running, walking, skipping, bouncing upon textiles. A person stands on the corner, stick still. I wave and get nothing back. My feet slow and I circle them only to find the person is entirely flat. 

On an impulse I poke them and they crumple, colors mixing into brown water and swirling down a nearby drain I hadn't noticed before. I freeze before I dismiss the odd moment and keep waking, a strained smile on my face. I walk and walk for what seems like hours and probably is because when I finally reach the once distant city, the fabrics have gone black. 

Entirely, there’s not a single star. Something moves in my peripheral and I spin fast only to see brown water trickling down the slope of the street. Another movement and I catch the last of a paper person sloshing to the ground with a squelch. I stare for a long moment, watching the water swirl down the street. Before walking away hesitantly, heading further into the city. 

The sidewalks are empty as I wander, though occasionally water flips over my boots. I get so lost in thought that I don't notice when I enter a paper filled clearing until a frail hand taps my shoulder. I turn and the person looks me right in the eye for a long moment before promptly splashing downwards onto the pavement. Its friends follow suit and the square floods. It picks me up and takes me winding back through the city, back through the wilderness, all the way back to where a cast made of paint lays limp on the ground. 

A portal similar to the one I arrived through waits there. It’s gray now. Gray like the world I live in. It was colorful before, inciting, inviting. This world is odd and the paper people are dying but it’s beautiful and marvelous. I’m not so sure I want to go back. The water pushes and I stumble into the gray. The blinding light vanishes quickly and I'm standing in my living room, alone. I move my hand to wipe my eyes only to realize, I'm a paper person and my feet are wet.

THE BASIC RULES OF DIPLOMATIC ETIQUETTE
                                                                                                 Teacher, Andijan State Institute of Foreign Language 
Biloldin Mahmudov
Student, Andijan State Institute of Foreign Language 

Abstract: Diplomacy is the art of conducting communication and negotiations between nations or groups of individuals with different interests, cultural backgrounds, and objectives. Diplomatic etiquette refers to the established norms of behavior and protocol that govern the interactions between diplomats and officials from different countries. The rules of diplomatic etiquette help to prevent misunderstandings and foster goodwill among nations. In this article, we shall discuss basic rules of diplomatic etiquette which are essential to follow.

Key words: Diplomat, Protocol, Language and cultural sensitivity, Confidentiality and discretion, Respect for diplomatic immunity

1. Respect for the host country: Diplomats should always show respect for the host country's laws, customs, and traditions, and should never engage in behavior that could be construed as disrespectful. They should also be mindful of their personal appearance, dress appropriately, and adopt a courteous and respectful demeanor when interacting with local officials and citizens.

2. Protocol for official visits: When a diplomat visits another country, they should follow proper protocol with regards to their formal attire, the order of their arrival and departure, and their seating arrangement at official events. They should also adhere to the established protocol when addressing hosts and guests, and observe any cultural or religious protocols that apply in the host country.

3. Language and cultural sensitivity: Diplomats should demonstrate language and cultural sensitivity when communicating with officials and citizens of the host country. They should learn the language and customs of the host country to the extent possible, and make an effort to communicate in the local language when appropriate. They should also avoid any comments or actions that could be considered insensitive or offensive.

4. Confidentiality and discretion: Diplomats should maintain strict confidentiality and discretion about any sensitive information that they acquire in the course of their duties. They should also avoid any public display of their personal opinions or political affiliations that could be perceived as an endorsement by their home country.

5. Respect for diplomatic immunity: Diplomats enjoy diplomatic immunity, which grants them exemption from the laws of the host country. They should, however, conduct themselves impeccably in the host country and never abuse their immunity status. They should also respect the laws and regulations of the host country and avoid engaging in any illegal activities, as this could compromise their diplomatic status.

   The training of diplomats and the use of diplomatic language and protocol are specialist, but vital skills. Why? Because diplomats are representatives of their countries around the world and are the keys to successful negotiation of agreements and defusing political tensions at the highest levels. As Rosalie Rivett, author, teacher and Chief Executive of the Women in Diplomacy organization in London says, Protocol is the etiquette of diplomacy. It does so by following certain rules of behaviour. Protocol indicates an acceptable standard in diplomatic discourse, dialogue and negotiation.’

          Language and the way it is used in diplomatic documents is an essential part of protocol. As Rivett explains in the introduction, diplomacy is ‘a highly nuanced role played out in language – the diplomatic lexicon – which is carefully chosen and in a manner which enhances the standing of their countries among host nations’. Language, therefore, is crucial to diplomatic success and the word protocol itself is derived from ancient Greek protokollon meaning ‘first glue’. Diplomatic Protocol is a manual aimed at young diplomats in training and in simple language explains how protocol works. The 13 chapters, each with abullet point summary of key points at the end, examine the roles of diplomats in overseas missions. A considerable advantage of the book is that it contains many examples, some even as recent as 2017. For students of diplomatic language and culture the key chapters are those on Modern Diplomacy, Internet Diplomacy and Media Communications, and Crisis Management.   

The author makes the key point that the information age and the use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) have increasingly robbed diplomats of a key asset in communicating information, that of time. Rivett explains: The world has become so small, thanks to instant communications and even faster forms of travel, that an event on one side of the world can spark an immediate reaction on the other, and all of it instantly recorded and shared online. There is no longer time to pause and ponder while a letter or telegram wends its way from an embassy to the home nation. 

Reaction has to be almost instantaneous, appropriate and at the very least designed not to exacerbate what might be an already volatile situation. It has to be diplomatic and governed by established protocol – the rules of diplomatic exchange and last but not least, it has to be media friendly.’ As Michael Cole, PR advisor and former BBC Royal Correspondent notes in the book, how a diplomat reacts to a crisis is key to how it will be reported and as a result how the diplomat, the mission and the country he/she represents will be perceived.

       The important thing is to take control of the crisis, talk to the relevant people, be available for interviews and answering questions, keeping it simple (avoid jargon), listen, apologise if you get things wrong (everyone makes mistakes), if you can’t answer, explain why (legal constraints, family, etc.) and above all, advises Cole, never say ‘No comment’. In an interesting and rather amusing illustration of how media can influence diplomatic etiquette, Rivett describes how the body language of the diplomatic handshake for the TV cameras can itself be a power play: ‘You may notice some people jockeying for position prior to a photograph being taken of them shaking hands; this is because they know that the person whose hand is closer to the camera and thus more visible will be perceived as dominant over the one whose hand is concealed. 

Rivett points out that diplomatic language is a formal and specific use of language. It is not the same as polite business language. Even in our modern world the very language of diplomacy is more formalised than general conversation or written exchanges. Even in protests or criticism of another state’s attitudes or actions, she explains that however harsh or critical the message, ‘it is traditionally understood that the ambassador is merely conveying the wishes, comments, even criticisms of his/her home state ... whatever language or tone is used, the aim is always to keep the channels of communication open.’

This is why it is important to maintain the protocol of third person singular or plural in Notes or Notes Verbales, as they are called in the UN, and use standard phrases, such as ‘has the honour to’, ‘avails himself/herself of the opportunity to’ and ‘expresses concern regarding’. 

Letters between Heads of State may be more personal, using ‘I’ and ‘we’, but will still be more formal in general style. The increasingly informal style of business correspondence is not the trend in diplomatic correspondence. ‘Dear Ambassador Smith or Dear Bill are not acceptable as diplomatic greetings, although you can get away with the equivalents in business correspondence where formality in some environments may be seen as a disadvantage.’

     There is greater convergence between business and diplomacy in the area of recognising and adapting to cultural sensitivities. In November 2010, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, turned up for an official visit to China wearing a red poppy to commemorate Remembrance Day which honours military personnel who died in World Wars I and II. The Chinese objected. For them the red poppy was a reminder of the opium wars of the late 19th century. The Chinese asked David Cameron to remove the poppy. Cameron’s advisers refused. Note to protocol officer, ‘Don’t send senior British politicians to China during Remembrance Week’.

On a visit to the G20 meeting in Hanzhou in China in 2016, President Obama had no red carpet laid out for him when he arrived whereas all other Heads of State did. Was this a snub by the Chinese or simply due to the fact that President Obama descended the steps of the presidential plane directly and didn’t wait for the red carpeted steps provided by the Chinese authorities? 

Rivett notes that etiquette sets the tone for all linguistic and cultural negotiations. What is said and done and what is unsaid are equally important, and the use of constructive ambiguity is an important linguistic and cultural skill in diplomatic communication. English, Rivett believes, is full of ambiguity, an average of six synonyms for every word. In Arabic, family terms are very important. English has only one word for ‘cousin’, but Arabic has eight words to denote first cousins and sixteen for second cousins, distinguishing who is being referred to and the degree of kinship.

      The last 20 years have seen major changes in how we communicate through the emergence of the Internet and social media. Does this mean that language and cultural protocol in the Diplomatic Service and international organisations like the UN are out of date? Part of the diplomat’s job, says Rivett, is to ‘evaluate and interpret information and advise the home nation on what is important and what is mere rumour and speculation’. The Internet and social media have dramatically increased the amount of information to be processed. In addition, cyberpolitik and cyber warfare has added a new dimension to political and diplomatic security and mediapolitik is the new reality.

In conclusion, diplomatic etiquette is an essential aspect of diplomatic conduct that helps to facilitate communication and cooperation between nations. Diplomats should be mindful of the established rules of etiquette and conduct themselves in a manner that respects the host country's culture, customs, and laws. By following the rules of diplomatic etiquette, diplomats can foster goodwill among nations and build tr ust and cooperation in the international community.

                                              
 REFERENCES.
1. Kukushin V.S. Theory and teaching - Rostov-on-Don: Phoenix Publishing House, 2005. - 474 p.                                                                                                                     2. Sidenko A.S. Method of projects: history and practice of application // Head teacher. - 2003. - No. 6. - P. 15 - 23.                                                                                               3. Chechel I.V. Method of projects: subjective and objective assessment of results // Principals of the school. - 1998.                                                                                               4. - S. 7 - 12.4. Sergeev, I.S. How to organize the project activities of students: A practical guide for employees of educational institutions / I.S. Sergeev. – M.: ARKTI, 2003. –80 p.                                                                                                                   5. Polat E.S. New pedagogical and information technologies in the education system: Textbook for students of pedagogical universities / - Moscow: Publishing Center "Academy", 1999. - 211 p .                                                                                        6. Миркасымов С.М., Рахимова М.А. Дипломатическая служба: теория И практика. Учеб. Пос. -Т., 2004.                                                                                              7. Yuldasheva G. Diplomatik va konsullik huquqi. O’quv qo’llanma – Т.:4’ TDYul, 2009 y.                                                                                                                                    8.Абдуллаева Л.М. Особенности дипломатического протокола:

Using public transport

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for people to use public transport in their daily life. Many people prefer to arrive at their destination with public transport like buses, trains, or others. However, what are the benefits of using these transports, and what are the drawbacks? In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why public transportation is becoming popular and try to draw some conclusions.

Let`s begin by looking at the advantages of using public transport. One of the positive sides of using them is that they are cheaper than private cars. What I mean by this is that it is more convenient for students or people who do not have money to buy their own car or use taxis. Secondly, using different kinds of public transport is more environmentally friendly. These days, you can see most people have their own vehicles, and these transports give unnecessary gases into the air. It is harmful for the earth and for our life. We should protect our planet. In addition, if we use public transport, there will be fewer traffic jams in the city. That means there will be fewer private cars or vehicles.

Another issue is that it can be unconvenient for people who need to change buses or trains to arrive at their destination. Turning to the other side of the argument, there are many people in them. Sometimes, passengers need to wait for a long time to go somewhere.  However, some public transport is very dirty, even seats, and you do not want to use them.

In conclusion, there are clearly both positives and negatives to public transportation. While using them, we can protect our nature, the Earth, because if there are not many cars, there will be less air pollution. Personally, I believe the benefits of using public transportation will eventually outweigh any negatives.

Writer: Odina Rustamjonova, student of Ishakhan Ibrat Creativity School.

I was lost in the box called life. 

In it,
(I)
I wanted learning
but my education was deafening
I wanted truth
but my reality faked its root
I wanted to buy the right counsel
but my mind controller got me its left sell
I wanted to be free
but my pursuit turned a tree
I wanted information
but my vision brought me deformation
I wanted wellness
but my state showed illness
I wanted a wife
but my life mirrored a knife
I wanted a companion
but my plight was in oblivion
I wanted the clarity of pleasure
but my naked eyes saw the dullness of pressure
I wanted to live forever
but my death was to question For-Ever
I wanted peace
but my perception reflected unease
(II)
I wanted to know more about people
but my understanding was a fumble
I wanted to be everyone’s friend
but my experience was the Pal’s end
I wanted to be rich
but my efforts didn’t catch a fish!
I wanted direction
but my limitation was the obstruction
3
I wanted to know the ‘why’ to everything happening
but my answer had to cry to all prevailing
I wanted to invest in good
but my previous return showed ‘fooled!’
I wanted to scream because of pains
but my calmness showed up because of gains
(III)
I wanted people to hear my voice
but my quest was a noise
I wanted money
but my struggle was funny
I wanted to know why the world is divided
but the response was: ‘it’s control is what is favourited’
I wanted to know what happens after death
but my physical life told me I was on earth
I wanted to tell people my experience
but my words failed me in their presence
I wanted to know if I knew what I know
my existence replied me with a ‘NO!’
I wanted to find myself through my works
but my inner-self whispered:
‘If you want to find yourself,
then think OUT OF THE BOX!

Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben)’s entire book is available here for order.

Homes, I Love You

I don’t really know how you see me,

What you think of me, If you even know me.

I just know I never stopped trying

And sometimes I was hiding; crying;

Trying to be a man like I should

Doing everything I could

And sometimes I went to far

Reaching to be a star

For you.

That’s what I do.

That’s all I know.

Always holding on not letting go.

I know I should have been better.

I know it sounds, and it is……bitter

That’s just who I am

Trying to be a better man.

I know I could be a jerk.

I know I was all about work.

As closed as fort knox.

Sometimes you had to get past road blocks

Just to get time from me

But believe me I’m sorry.

I know I used to drink

Sometimes I just didn’t want to think.

I don’t really know how you see me,

What you think of me, If you even know me.

I have always been a wound in duct tape

Hoping that the blood can’t escape.

Hiding my tears so you couldn’t see.

Not wanting you to think down on me.

‘Cause I’m not a hero.

I’m still hoping to grow.

I always tried to be the glue

But somehow I threw a shoe.

You might find me a disgrace

But my heart was always in the right place.

Just not always at the right time.

Believe me I find that a crime.

Damn I hope I did something right

Even when I was often out of sight.

It was never easy

Trying not to be me

And give you everything you would need.

This is making my heart bleed.

Homes, I love you more than you know

And that continues to grow.

Heaven’s Forked Child

When I see lightning

I count til the thunder

When the skies are fighting

Just before the world goes under

I scream, waiting on a wonder.

Knowing that will never come.

But for the moment I’m numb.

Angel fire cracks

Ripping the sky

Pitchfork leaving tracks

Freight train rolling by

I cry out, beckoning the sky.

Vengeance on a raging railway

Won’t the rain come out to play?

The Storm is Heaven’s child

The rain is Mother’s tears.

And when everything goes wild

And the lightning appears

The thunder cries of fears.

When it thinks it has me in my place

I just laugh in its face.

Down Town

He’s got the keys

Gonna take the town on a cruise.

Force them to their knees.

Show them there was no excuse

To be beaten and run out of town.

The moon bleeds for him

He won’t be taken down.

The wind howls, “Never again!”

The engine roars,

The wheels burn.

Lock all your doors.

Now it is his turn.

Take this town to Hell.

Ring the Liberty Bell.

And in a flash

The town was ash.

From south-western Michigan, Jerry Langdon lives in Germany since the early 90’s. He is an Artist and Poet. His works bathe in a darker side of emotion and fantasy. He has released five books of Poetry titled “Temperate Darkness an Behind the Twilight Veil”, “Death and other cold things” “Rollercoaster Heart” and “Frosted Dreams” Jerry is also the editor and publisher of the literary magazine Raven Cage Zine poetry and prose. His poetic inspirations are derived from poets such as Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Frost and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As well as from various Rock Bands. His apparently twisted mind, twists and intertwines fantasy with reality.