Our publication expresses great sorrow at the suffering in Gaza. We call for the return of the hostages, for an end to the siege, and for humanitarian aid to be allowed in for the starving people of the region. To support the people of Gaza, you may contribute to the Middle East Children’s Alliance.

Also, For the Writers, a manuscript coaching service, seeks to document what’s happening in the region by compiling first-person journalistic narratives from anyone of any background in Gaza. They’ll put the stories live on the site to create a digital archive to bear witness to history. Writing is invited from those in the region, of all faiths, races, or national backgrounds.

Here’s another announcement from J.B. of Heterodox Haiku:

I am whipping up another modest lil issue of our journal, and just wanted to extend a hearty invitation in case you might have a poem or essay which you are looking for a great home for that could fit into small showcase we are assembling! The theme is ‘contrarians’, you could submit up to 10 haiku or senryu for consideration challenging assumptions and conventions of society, government, or English Language Haiku (especially! :D) for consideration. Please send work to jbphotography746@yahoo.com

Now, for our first August issue: Longings of the Heart.

Rizal Tanjung reviews poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou on human needs and emotions. Mark Young’s poetry explores our human quest for identity and agency from various angles. Amirah Al-Massif wanders through dreams, madness, existence, and perception. Alan Catlin evokes harsh landscapes where life dies, evolves, and regrows.

Strider Marcus Jones probes the search for truth, memory, history, beauty and love. Abdijabborova Sabrina considers both the richness of world culture embedded in linguistic metaphors and the challenges diverse metaphors pose for cross-cultural communication. Mesfakus Salahin reflects on humanity’s journey through the ages and on what makes a civilization. Mahbub Alam wonders at the great variety of world climates and events: peace in some places, suffering in others. Rus Khomutoff poetizes about memory and nostalgia and living in multiple places in one’s mind. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund observe smaller and larger ways living creatures navigate the world and assert their existence.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou’s poems express the longings of the human heart for intimate love, global peace, food, meaning in life, and nurturance. Hanan Abdelkader Ashour sings of the simple, yet meaningful, essentials of hope and love. Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Akrom outlines key moments in the emotional development of babies and young children. Eshtemirova Jasmina honors the support parents give children of all ages. Ilhomova Mohichehra urges young students to respect teachers who are devoting their minds and hearts to helping them learn. Sitora Sodiqova reflects on the consistent love and care she receives from her mother, as do Gulnoza Valiyeva, Boyqobilova Nargiz Alimardonovna and Zahro Kahramonova. Bibixanifa Jumanazarova speaks poetically of the care and concern she receives from her mother as Manik Chakraborty rhapsodizes on tender parental and romantic love. Graciela Noemi Villaverde rhapsodizes with elegance on her shared memories with the love of her life. Eva Petropoulou Lianou whispers tenderly of love and friendship and the support one needs for artistic imagination.

Mykyta Ryzhykh wonders how to stay human in the face of numbing devastation. Iduoze Abdulhafiz renders colonialism into the language of science fiction, with an alien protagonist pondering concepts of parasitism and existence. Bill Tope mourns the lives broken because of homophobia and transphobia and illustrates how far some people have to go into self-delusion to survive. James Tian lampoons hypocrites who demand that others care for land they themselves trample. Don Bormon shows respect to those who took to the streets for justice during a recent Bangladeshi student protest. An anonymous writer in the United States declares independence from the current presidential administration. Otabayeva Khusniya takes a fresh look at George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm with an eye to how well-intentioned revolutions can end up replicating old injustices if power imbalances remain.

Some contributors look into various realms of human creativity. Yongbo Ma reviews poet Deborah Bogen on her inspirations and journey as an artist. Duane Vorhees crafts burnished pieces concerning art and creation, particularly how one’s poems can embody and become their subjects. Patrick Sweeney’s one-line monostichs craft nuanced thoughts in single lines. Mauro Montakkyesi reviews Dr. Jernail Singh Anand’s sci-fi work of moral philosophy Epicasia. Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna encourages teaching children the art practice of applique to enhance skill and creativity and advocates for reforms in Uzbek preschool education and for the use of innovative technological approaches. Sevara Uzaqova considers the value of blended instruction for second-language English learners. Panoyeva Jasmina O’tkirovna and Sevara Uzaqova share methods for language learning that focus on real-life conversation and application as Muattar Tursunboyeva shares ways to teach language arts that inspire student creativity.

O’ktamova Shakxnozabonu outlines techniques for tooth implantation and post-treatment care. Ahmadova Sarvinoz discusses treatments for dental cavities. Boyqobilova Nargiz Aliamardonova relates the importance of uninterrupted sleep to human mental and physical health. Sabina Nafasova outlines theories about the value of incarceration in public safety and offender rehabilitation. Sattorova Mohinur Lazizovna explores methods for efficient water conservation in industrial processes. Faizullayeva discusses environmental issues concerning the atmosphere and advises on sustainable practices. G’ayratbek Toshmuxamedov outlines his own journey as an athlete and an academic. Sattorova Mokhinur highlights the importance of English language learning to young people’s ability to succeed in the modern world.

Muqimova Nazora celebrates the beauty and creativity of computer coding. Surayyo Nosirova highlights her inspirational experience at animation technology camp. Jasmine Rashidov considers modern communication technology and social media to ultimately be beneficial to young people’s cultural exchange and education, despite negative effects such as cyberbullying. Ismoilov Muhammadmirzo points out uses for technology for mapping and data processing functions in predictive ecology.

Maftuna Rustamova affirms the potential for young students and researchers to accomplish much in science. Muslima Olimova showcases the innovation and achievement of the students at the new Uzbek technology and career center Muslima Academy and the amazing potential of Uzbekistan’s students and digital entrepreneurs. Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz Saidakhmadovan shares a moving tale of a rural family determined to educate their children. Khumushbibi Kholikulova acknowledges the incredible potential of Uzbekistan’s young women to succeed in many different areas, as Olimova Sevara explores the many ways Eastern European women’s lives changed for better and worse with Soviet modernization.

Zumrad Sobirova sings the praises of her independent Uzbek homeland. Mahzuna Habibova urges her fellow Uzbek nationals to draw courage from patriotism and the glory of their country. Shahnoza Ilnar qizi Allayarova sings of the virtues of the Uzbek people and of the dignity of the nation. Maftuna Rustamova praises Ghulam Shomurod’s book The Value of the Great, which highlights important figures in Uzbek history and encourages young people to emulate them. Dilobar Maxmarejabova urges the world’s youth not to ignore or denigrate their own cultural heritages in this age of globalization. Ermatova Dilorom Baxodirjonovna describes and celebrates traditional Uzbek clothing. Xavier Womack reflects on how each of us learns from and contributes to the lives of others around us as Isaac Aju offers a letter of encouragement to the world’s emerging writers. One emerging writer, Farzona Hoshimova, shares her journey and literary accomplishments along with her gratitude to those who supported her along the way.

Photo by Mahmut Yılmaz

However, Chimezie Ihekuna speaks to the tension between optimism and dreams and reality and cynicism. Doug Hawley and Bill Tope craft a story together about an alcoholic humorously remaining in denial. Mirta Liliana Ramirez describes an unstable relationship with an unreliable lover or friend. J.J. Campbell’s poetry speaks to love, loss, the search for connection, and being beaten down by life.

Abigail George reflects on lingering grief for a lost lover and for parents who have drifted away from her. Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Mirzo expresses her love for her deceased father. Doug Holder offers a brief moment of tenderness to his wife as she grieves. Irma Kurti speaks to grief and humans’ tender hearts as Cherise Barasch evokes a Jewish ritual of remembrance.

Stephen Jarrell Williams crafts scenes of people navigating a troubled world together in small groups, finding strength and comfort from their faith. Michael Robinson also explores themes of faith, looking at how his awareness of physical mortality due to a health crisis reminds him of the spiritual concept of dying to selfishness and finding new life through Christ. Maja Milojkovic reflects on the themes of compassion, sorrow, and sacrifice in the relationship of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Eva Petropoulou Lianou puts out a humble plea for peace and compassion. Peace Ogunjemilua speculates on the meaning of hope and what keeps us believing – which may be as simple as a flower.

Surayyo Nosirova shares reasons why some young adults may struggle with mental health in college and offers hope and strategies for overcoming. Bibixanifa Jumanazarova praises the strength of women who rise above and shine through adversity. Priyanka Neogi urges readers to dig deep within themselves and work to reach their goals. Maria Miraglia shares her determination to love selflessly, even in a world where she can be betrayed. Taylor Dibbert speaks to making the most of everything, even English food!

Sayani Mukherjee speaks to appreciating the delicate beauty of craft and nature in urban areas. Brian Barbeito finds wonder in a single small snail shell as Gregory Wallace revels in the dazzling splendor of the sun, moon, planets, bees, and Milky Way. Su Yu showcases the work of elementary and teen writers, whose works mostly celebrate urban and rural nature.

Dr. Jernail S. Anand reflects on how the Earth will always be there for humans, even when other people or our deities fail us. Dante Parameseo, along with a humorous take on relationships, offers a poetic piece on a tamarisk tree that’s in touch with reality more elemental than human art or concepts of beauty. Vo Thi Nhu Mai encourages us to get out of our own way, to come to life with gentle spirits and appreciate the cherry blossoms. Finally, Wazed Abdullah finds joy in riding his bicycle.

Heart

The hefty dreams of suburban cities

The burning sky the nightlife of Naples

Asks me to write a sonorous letter

To the crescent moon high above the park

A dandelion for her wish to fold the dreams

I surmise in sipping letters to not feel the danger

Brown skin city high scapes school me

A nail pictured shopkeeper in the most urgent way

The honey choir of dazzling smoke

The lost feathers of the peace of dove

A symbol of fraternity among the sleeves

As if the night bloomed daisies know the human heart.

Night

I upheld the long haul dream

The topsy turvy menagerie

Of broken threaded sweet pearls

That soothe my aching happiness

I dreamt in thee the songs of Paris

When evening comes I love your chestnut

Brown symphonies raging a thousand oceans

The ukelele of national importance

Do i sing heaven’s ceremonies too?

Or when I plunge my needle I sank a little harder

Over little wishes that once carved your niche

Birds have their nests too

The sweet ocean of peripheral promised land

Come over and play your pulses

The smile is same but magnificent

The Golden Gate surpassed us today, night.

LIFE’S GENTLE REFLECTIONS

(Võ Thị Như Mai)

The greatest enemy in life

is none other than ourselves

The whirlpool of lies and ignorance

is a blind road

leading us into dreams with no way out

Arrogance only brings failure

pulling us into deep suffering

Jealousy, a quiet sorrow

is like a sharp thorn

silently piercing the heart

Mistakes make us lose who we are

turning life into a dark, starless night

Neglecting our parents is a heavy sin

as burdensome as a thousand mountains

weighing on the soul

Self-doubt is painful and sad

like a bird with broken wings, unable to fly

But from every fall

we can rise again

like trees growing through rock

like light breaking through the darkness

Despair may feel endless

but hope is a steady star

always shining in the sky

Health and wisdom

are treasures more valuable than gold

Feelings are life’s debts

sometimes as light as a passing breeze

sometimes as heavy as unforgettable memories

Forgiveness is the greatest gift

bringing calm in the middle of the noise of life

Knowledge alone isn’t enough

A kind heart

and a gentle soul

are what truly define us

Giving and comforting

are like drops of honey

soothing the pain of the world

V.T.N.M.

THE BOOK OF SEASONS

(Võ Thị Như Mai)

A book lies open

its pages alive with blossoms

their hues shifting from black and white to radiant colour

each stroke of ink, colour of an era

Here, seasons reveals in cycles of brush and verse

cherry blossoms scatter as hopes for renewal

fallen leaves turn retreats into solitude

and the moon rises, a serene witness

to centuries of longing

The weight of tradition presses gently

layered meanings drift like petals in the wind

plum for passing beauty, pine for the everlasting

The borderlands between village and forest blur

where foxes haunt the edges of knowing

mystical, in-between

To look upon a garden

is to see history tell stories

a pine’s shadow carries the chill of distant winters

while lanterns reflect moons in memory

yet present still in gleaming silk

This is not nature untouched

but nature shaped, revered

held both close and cautiously distant

a mirror for the human soul

seasonal cycles

woven into the fabric of living

And in the end

the cherry blossom

is never just a cherry blossom

it is a thousand years of seeing

a transient note

the happiness of eternity

V.T.N.M.

Võ Thị Như Mai was born in the soft breeze of high land Dalat, carrying within her both a resilient spirit and the gentle soul of an artist. From her meaningful time at Edith Cowan University to the warm, intimate classrooms of Western Australia, she has been not only a dedicated teacher but also a poet and translator with a heart devoted to literature. Through her delicate verses and meaningful translations, she has helped bring Vietnamese literature to a wider audience, connecting communities through bilingual poetry festivals and meaningful publications.

For her, literature is an art of words and a bridge of emotions mixed between real life and wishes. She finds inspiration in quiet moments and the small corners of everyday life, crafting tender poems and graceful translations. With four published poetry collections, nearly ten bilingual books, and more literary projects underway, she is a poet of passion and dedication. A woman of quiet charm and vision, she brings Vietnamese literature to the world while preserving the soul of her homeland in every poetic line.

Silent Battles: Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Loneliness During Student Years

Introduction

In today’s competitive and fast-paced world, student life is often romanticized as a time of personal growth, academic achievement, and social connection. However, beneath the surface lies a silent struggle faced by many students—one of mental pressure, emotional isolation, betrayal, and the absence of support. For some, these experiences define their entire educational journey. Yet, even amidst such darkness, it is possible to emerge stronger, wiser, and victorious.

This article explores the often-unspoken psychological burdens students endure—particularly mental health struggles, academic stress, feelings of loneliness, and emotional pain caused by those they once called friends. By shedding light on these hidden experiences, we aim to foster understanding, advocate for compassion, and remind every student walking this difficult path: your victory is coming.

The Weight of Expectations

Academic institutions are designed to challenge and educate. But with that mission often comes a pressure cooker of expectations. Students are expected to maintain high grades, be active in extracurricular activities, secure internships, develop social networks, and prepare for uncertain futures—all simultaneously. For many, especially first-year students or those from underprivileged backgrounds, this transition can be overwhelming.

The societal narrative often neglects the mental toll of such pressure. Constant comparison, fear of failure, and the need to prove oneself—whether to family, peers, or society—can slowly erode self-esteem and mental well-being. When grades become the only measure of worth, students begin to equate failure with personal inadequacy.

These internalized pressures frequently lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Yet, few students feel safe enough to speak about it. The stigma surrounding mental health, especially in cultures where vulnerability is mistaken for weakness, forces many to suffer in silence.

The Quiet Ache of Loneliness

Loneliness during student years is a complex and painful emotion. Even in classrooms filled with hundreds of students, one can feel profoundly alone. Moving to a new city, adjusting to a new environment, or failing to find ‘your people’ can leave students feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Social media often intensifies this loneliness. While it paints the illusion of connection, it can also create feelings of exclusion. Watching others post about friendships, outings, and achievements can foster a painful sense of “Why not me?”—leading students to question their worth and their ability to belong.

Loneliness does not only stem from being physically alone; it often arises from emotional disconnection. It is the feeling of not being seen, heard, or understood. It is sitting in a crowded library with tears threatening to fall, and no one noticing. It is wanting to share your burdens but having no one who truly listens. It is the ache of invisibility in the most formative years of life.

When Friends Become Strangers

One of the most disheartening experiences during student life is betrayal or emotional abandonment by friends. For many, university friendships are a source of comfort, laughter, and survival. But not all friendships last—and not all friends are genuine.

Some students experience bullying, exclusion, or emotional manipulation from those they once trusted. Others are left behind without explanation as their peers form new cliques or focus solely on their own goals. The realization that your support system has crumbled can be both devastating and disorienting.

This emotional abuse—whether subtle or overt—leaves scars. The fear of trusting again, the self-doubt born from rejection, and the inner voice whispering “you’re not enough” can become constant companions. When betrayal comes not from strangers but from those you once called friends, it hurts with a deeper, more personal sting.

The Absence of Support

Perhaps the most paralyzing aspect of student mental health struggles is the feeling that there’s no one to lean on. For students far from home, the physical distance from family can feel like emotional abandonment. Even those with parents nearby may feel emotionally misunderstood or invalidated.

Many institutions lack the resources or sensitivity to identify students who are silently suffering. Professors are focused on delivering content, not checking in on emotions. Friends may be too busy or too self-involved. And in a world where everyone seems to be “managing fine,” it can feel shameful to admit you’re not.

The absence of support is not just about who is missing; it’s about the haunting silence in times of crisis. It’s about breaking down in a dorm room at 2 a.m. with no one to call. It’s about realizing that while you have hundreds of contacts, you can’t name one person who would truly understand.

This lack of support amplifies the mental health crisis among students. Without emotional anchors, students spiral deeper into anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. And yet, despite the darkness, some keep walking.

The Turning Point: Choosing Yourself

Amid all this pain—academic pressure, loneliness, betrayal, and emotional neglect—there lies a quiet decision: the decision to choose yourself.

This is the moment when a student realizes that they are their own safest home. It may not come dramatically. It may arrive on a regular Tuesday after a failed quiz or during a solitary walk. But it is powerful.

Choosing yourself means seeking help even when it’s scary. It means setting boundaries with toxic people. It means crying, and still getting up the next day. It means talking to a counselor, writing your truth, or simply breathing deeply through the storm. It means recognizing that your value is not defined by grades, followers, or others’ opinions—but by your resilience.

This turning point is not loud. It is gentle and consistent. It is the beginning of healing.

Healing and Growth: A Slow But Beautiful Process

Healing from emotional wounds is not a linear journey. There will be good days and unbearable ones. Some mornings you will feel like yourself again; others, you’ll wonder if you ever will. But growth lies in persistence.

During the healing process, students begin to rediscover themselves. They find joy in small routines—making tea, reading books, listening to music, journaling. They begin to seek genuine connections, no longer chasing popularity but authenticity. They start valuing their mental peace more than validation.

And slowly, something remarkable happens. They become the very friend they needed. They develop empathy, strength, and emotional intelligence. They learn to identify red flags, to say no, and to choose environments that nurture them. Their scars become sources of wisdom, not shame.

The Inevitable Victory

The journey through emotional turmoil is not just about survival—it is about transformation. Many students who endure such pain emerge with an inner strength that no textbook could ever teach. They become leaders, mentors, healers, and creators. They carry stories of overcoming, of rising from the ashes, of winning the hardest battles—those within.

Victory does not always look like a gold medal or a perfect GPA. Sometimes it’s simply waking up and choosing to try again. Sometimes it’s smiling after days of tears. Sometimes it’s graduating despite depression, or finding real friends after years of loneliness. These victories are deeply personal—and deeply powerful.

In the end, you win. Not because the pain disappears, but because you become someone who refuses to give up. You win because you fought with grace, because you learned to love yourself, because you did not let darkness define your story.

Conclusion

Student life is often painted in bright colors, but many live it in shades of grey. Mental health struggles, academic pressure, emotional loneliness, and the absence of support can make it a painful chapter. Yet, within this pain lies the potential for profound transformation.

To every student fighting silent battles: your story matters. Your feelings are valid. And even if no one else applauds your quiet victories, know this—you are not alone, and you will rise. Keep walking, keep breathing, keep choosing yourself.

In the end, you do not just survive. You win.

Surayyo Nosirova Elyor qizi was born on May 13, 2006, in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in literature, languages, and creative expression. Her passion for learning and writing became evident during her school years, where she actively participated in various academic, literary, and cultural activities. Currently, Surayyo is a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State University World Languages university, specializing in English Philology and Teaching. She is known for her strong academic performance and her dedication to mastering the English language. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom—she is the author of three published books: Heartfelt Thoughts, Voices in Writing, and Beyond Words: Mastering English. Each of these works reflects her insights into language learning, writing skills, and the emotional depth of student life. 

Globalization and the Lost Identity of a Generation

“Modern wars will no longer be fought with weapons, but with ideas. The goal will be to distort the thinking of our youth.”
— Islam Karimov, First President of Uzbekistan

We live in an era where information travels across continents in seconds, where a cultural shift in one part of the world can influence the mindset of a young person thousands of kilometers away. This is the power—and the peril—of globalization. And in the heart of Central Asia, in countries like Uzbekistan, it’s not just progress that is arriving at our doorsteps, but also a silent crisis: the cultural and spiritual erosion of our youth.

The 21st century is marked by technological triumphs. Our lives have become more connected, more informed, and more digitized. Yet in this wave of innovation, young people in developing and post-Soviet countries find themselves torn between tradition and trend. They are learning, evolving, and adopting—but at what cost?

When Progress Threatens Identity

There is nothing inherently wrong with globalization. In fact, it offers invaluable opportunities for learning, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. But each nation carries with it a unique soul—embedded in its history, traditions, and moral values. For Uzbekistan, this identity is rooted in the legacy of thinkers like Alisher Navoi, Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, and Al-Biruni—giants whose wisdom once shaped the course of human knowledge.

Yet today, many of our youth struggle to name these intellectual forefathers. Instead, they idolize imported pop culture, replicate global social media trends, and embrace superficial modernity that often contradicts local values. From imitating art forms born in foreign contexts to defacing historic buildings with graffiti in the name of “expression,” we are witnessing a cultural drift that can no longer be ignored.

This is not an argument against modernization or art. It is a call for balance. A plea for young people to know where they come from before deciding where they are going.

The Cultural Cost of Belonging Everywhere—and Nowhere

In an attempt to belong to a global narrative, many young people are losing touch with their own. Cultural pride is not nationalism; it is self-respect. And preserving heritage does not mean rejecting the world—it means entering it with dignity.

The future of our youth must not come at the cost of forgetting the past. The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are not just tourist destinations; they are breathing textbooks of our ancestors’ contributions to science, literature, and philosophy. When these landmarks are defaced, when traditions are mocked, it is not just stone that is broken—but memory, identity, and self-worth.

Moving Forward with Roots Intact

Technology is here to stay. Globalization will continue. The question is: Can we raise a generation that embraces the modern world without abandoning its own? Can we empower young people to be both connected to the globe and grounded in their culture?

We must. Because only when young people know who they are, will they know how to lead.

Dilobar Maxmarejabova Elbek qizi is a second-year student at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, majoring in Philology and English Language Teaching. She is passionate about topics such as youth, spirituality, globalization, and cultural heritage. Through her writing, she seeks to draw attention to pressing social issues and contribute to meaningful discussions on identity and values in the modern world.

Morning is war

We’re burning like matches

But who sets us on fire every time?

Our meat hurts as if someone is trying to eat our flesh

But what does the word “we” mean?

Seven marble

Seven marble suns have died in the last week

Seven tin gods have burst in the last week

Seven donkeys with gifts from the Magi have been torn apart in the last week

Seven sulfur streams have soared into the air in the last week

Seven days have passed in the last week

Seven people have disappeared in the last week

Seven babies were born in the last week

A state of emergency has been declared seven times in the last week

In the last week seven numbers have become uncountable

No one has been resurrected in the last week

Singles

The sandcastles of human rights are falling into my eyes

My cat buries his shit in the folds of my skin

Not a single spit of time can wash away the sand from a person

As luck would have it, there is not a single footprint of your foot on this sand

I teach water to build silence

I am learning from the sand to remain silent in agreement

Belly is home

We don’t fuck in basements:

We live in them

Thirst

salt smeared on lips

sugar dissolved in the veins

lips in an eternal search for sperm

in order to quench the thirst

for love

Facts and lives

mantrap in my left torn off leg

pretends I’m not there

The bird

The bird tries to break into the room without realizing that the window is transparent

In the end in despair the unfortunate creature disappears into the nightleaving feathers as a souvenir

A feather that comes off is no longer part of the bird

I burst into the night shooting at my cast iron temple

A ghostly bird breaks out of its body cage and runs into the garden through the glass

A dead body ceases to be part of the life that goes on around

Silence everywhere

Silence everywhere

The stone drinks the silence of the sand

Sand castles

The river plays with the sound of the tide

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORD ASSOCIATION

Being is the tiger,

an unseen appearance before it swallows you whole.

Seeming is the spider

that builds the mansion where Maya hides the tiger.

And you curl into your spider’s blanket and say,

“Yes, there may be other situations. But this one is mine.”

These are words of the white sheep that graze on your tongue, issuing from the edge of your lips to baffle my art.

Belief conceals recognition. Orthodox clichés are sweeter than exotic heresies.

I need a poet to speak your freedom.

“Poetry!” you say. “That factory of idols! Valueless words strung together like cultured pearls. A compromise between the universe and imagination, windy sounds tangled in winter branches. A sheetless bed in a purple room with no light or exit.”

A poem can come from a prophet or a priest or a professor or a philosopher or a physician or a beautician. But only a true poem can feel the sun on your face as the snow commandos parachute in behind enemy lines. A real poem contains stone syllables standing against a rain-striped horizon.

Let me be your pattern. I’ve pawned my pasts, demolished the wall that blocked truth-bearing winds.

To deny my tongue is to strangle your throat.

Together we can be worlds upon a wider world.

Our bronze countenances can besiege the Maya fortress, storm its magic damsel resident therein.

We won’t eliminate or lift any veil completely. But we can add invisibility.

“Perception, memory – can’t they be real? Who could confuse a long naked body with an artifice of the mind?”

Anyone.

Everyone.

We live in rust on chrome.

“But, that tiger?”

Being is the all-at-once-ness of everything.

The world is not all thieves and wolves. Providers and puppies inhabit too.

Judges and lawyers may be the masters of bar and brothel, and a poem’s sentence may condemn. But also it may acquit.

Death is always the same distance away and life as near as we arrange.

Yes, our voyage ends with a wake, but not just the wake behind the boat.

It’s now call-and-response time. Your fate depends on your answer.

I say Quiver.

Do you say, “Tremble”?

Or, “Arrow”?

MÖBIUS STRIP

Swans echo the clouds

that echo those swans.

Moon recycles faces, recycles face

I am Today years old, as always

but which we am I today?

es, recy

This river remembers its geese,

wanders woods in their search.

cles fa

BRIDE OF COPPER

homonyms that mean the same

or, your gray is not my grey

they have divergent offspring

bronze if copper mates with zinc

brass if copper mates with tin

bird as vulture, bird as dove

a painter’s silver, or smudge

the flat wilderness of dusk

an opaque landscape of mist

the nothingness of a coin

dime-like or silver florin

hides the man within the war

in a Southern uniform

in a museum’s armor

ENLIGHTENMENT

Aging, we mislearn the universe from birth.

But if then all our illusions we lose —

Can we be sure that lives improve?

IN AN ON-ONE (self-portrait, unfinished for now)

Sophiadome aflame,

Halfunplundered yet.

The Moon is trapped in our crimson net

(like a Frisbee in a cage)

(aluminum pan in macrame)

dark iris riveted to bloodshot eye.

No. Wait.

This is altogether too depressing a prospect. Let the picture compose elsewhere.

Bloated fingers like floodwaters upon the plain.

Unberibboned wrists, not tigered yet by failure.

Arms loose and empty, tethered to boney shoulders

and a lonely bed.

Nope. No improvement from that angle either.

Silver is the ego-greed that turns glass into a looking glass; and mercury, that poison, makes us mistake temperament for actual temperature; while the iron lasts us through the large littleness of our long lives.

Such is the brittle wisdom, these are the elements of our same old sad story:

                             “The Naked One in the Vacant Lot”

…