Artwork from Jahin Claire Oh

Construction workers in vests and yellow hard hats talk with beavers about building dams and homes.
Person floats dreamlike in a room with sunlight streaming in from the left and fern fronds beneath her.
Statue like drawing of a girl with her eyes closed, surrounded by floating open eyes.
Arms, legs, and a head in flesh color come in through the cupboards, floor, and ceiling of a gray hallway.

Jahin Claire Oh is a twelfth-grade student attending high school in San Jose, California. She enjoys coding and takes an interest in media art as a hobby. She prefers warm tones over cool tones and is generally drawn to calming imagery with naturalistic depictions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and occasionally visits local art exhibits.

Poetry from Sean Lee

He had only one day

He had only one day.
He was thirty eight, a meager age. Poor man, he was; life passed by and stopped
before he had his way.

He had to seize the day –
and thwart it from flying away.
And so he tried to find the day – catch its tail and grab it until it would start to suffocate.

As the clock stroke three, he went out
to feel the sound of a summer day.
He didn’t know what was coming, yet
he had to flee from the cavern of his stuffy room;
reign earth before he had to go back and return his breath to mother nature on his way.

Funny, it was. He noticed the little.
He saw the ants, forming long barcodes with
They were moving, eager, ground earthy
more than ever.
He paid attention to the azure skies, cradling
clouds that made many lives.
Zebras! Elephants! Giraffes! He stared, elated, though
the vast expanse of the sky had always been above his eyes.

Did he miss anything in his way?

He stood to see –
make sure that no images pass by, like the wind on that one lonely night. He failed to stop time, but
he captured every moment – opened up a bubble to protect himself
from the fast-moving day.

Fried Rice

It was all simple, when
mama used to cook me fried rice.
She just threw in bowls of white pebbles in the black pan – saw it jumping, dancing to the beat of life.

How do you cook so quickly, I asked. To that, she grinned and said,
Son, fried rice does not require the blessing of time.

She was never afraid to change the recipe,
succumbing to her little whims
as ingredients caught her sight.
Carrots, Potatoes, Bacon – everything she saw, she chopped and threw it into her cauldron, together with her little frights.

It’s better that way, she replied to my unasked question, as she turned around to clean the aftermath of her bloody kitchen, slightly smiling, as if she somehow
knew the secret of life.

It all got too difficult,
after I flew out of mama’s nest.
I tried to talk to the world, break the silence, but
it only responded with awkward murmurs and lies.

So, now I’ll make the world my fried rice.
We’ll not talk; we’ll stare at each other
like lovers on first date.
I’ll just hand it a plate of fried rice, put into the shape of a heart, but we’ll both know that our lives got more simple

than it ever were.

Walking on White Snow

I’m scared to walk on white snow.
I’m afraid that I’ll make footsteps with my dirty shoes. Touch what I should not touch –
take what has been taken from me for a long while.

I stand by my front door and wonder
how the snow maintained its beautiful, curvy figure
over the long, scary night,
how it never encountered the touch of a stranger who could do things that he knew were just not right.

I don’t want to leave any marks on this trail of white snow; I want to protect it
and ensure that it keeps its whiteness that I so greatly miss, on some quiet night.

So, I’m scared to walk on white snow.
As much as I love a winter day, I shall stay in my house, let the snow stay this way
& hope that it will stay this way for a long while

Sean Lee is a high school student at an international school in South Korea with a passion for poetry and creative writing. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he finds inspiration in the intersection of different cultures, languages, and personal experiences. His poetry often explores themes of belonging, memory, and emotional introspection. 

Poetry from Dilnoza Islomova

Young Central Asian woman with a ruffled white blouse and earrings and long dark hair in the back seat of a car.

Dear Mother

You brought me into the world with hardship, dear mother

Sleepless at nights, whenever I was in pain

I know I still trouble you even now

But, mother, I love you

You have suffered so much because of me

But unlike others, you never gave me reproach

Protecting and cherishing me until now

You care for me even when you’re in pain

Your love overflows in your beautiful heart

You always remember the good I have done

Sadly, you have suffered much from me

Forgive me, dear mother, pardon me

Dilnoza Islomova is from Turtkul district in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. She’s currently a high school student and a future poet, who started writing small poems from a young age. She has read many books and is a curious girl who never stops growing and applies herself in every field.

Essay from Bozorboyeva Iroda

Young Central Asian woman in a white headdress and top.

For today’s youth, the ocean of opportunities is wide and full: studying abroad, building innovative projects, exploring creativity, traveling… Yet paradoxically, the more opportunities exist, the harder it becomes to decide. Every door seems open, but behind which one lies our true self?

Far too often, we adopt the dreams of others as our own — the expectations of parents, the “ideal” models of society, the polished lives we see online. These can bury our real desires, until one day we find ourselves walking a path that does not belong to us.

The art of finding yourself is about listening to your inner voice, discovering your values, and following your own path — even if others do not understand. This journey may be filled with more mistakes than successes, but those mistakes shape and define us. True success is not becoming what society calls “successful,” but creating a life where you remain authentically yourself.

 @Iroda_Bozorboyeva_07 Baxromovna
I do not want to be remembered as “She was born, she lived, she died.”

Poetry from Texas Fontanella

See below pls. Danke, Texas Fontanella is Styx viscous or style viscous is also Pinko werewolf crim Hades Montana etc tech999 dadavinci and so on and so forth

A reflection on various hackings, and hacking attempts at, my raps (this is, indeed, the title)Some of these autocorrects******** FORCED upon me are redunkulous. Reductionist. My booty of work, my choice eyes. I’ll incel you

Them, but it woin’t be noice. WALL-E wrong key. Willie Eilish. V stylish. Ridiculous. Redunkulous. Reductionist. Ride the dick, or liar? Stretch

First. Safety

 Con

Scent. No joke. Yo hoax is no blaring witch just a daring wedge. 

Put it in. The sour CREAM. This is the hour of 

Drags rule everything around messianic access. My bloods my rhythms. The beatnik excess

Pools like a car around my arm

Ours have politics greener than a big farm. 

We ER like shisha, all the time 

Is out of joint replacement therapy. Rubbed my core, no apple, no app to pelt out an eyes sore that hopeful skint***** in yr eyes, e Claire, you cunt 

Have it both ways, a loose ruler, eyes loose rupees, style

Better than kapaur. (Sp?)

KO. Poor. (So?)

Sp

Ed?

I tor down the hail building. There is no fail: the bills dig.

Dog, the riches 

Is dead. Off with their Hades. Stop worsting time, mate

Slip of fuel’s love. This is a grape dropped bit of who’s dove

Scries? Ponzi and the velveteen resolution. Every dreg in on so

Lut. 

On.

Texas can be reached at @texasfontanella.

Synchronized Chaos August 2025: Longings of the Heart

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.

Woman making a heart symbol with her hands in front of a lit carnival ride at dusk. She's got long dark hair and is in a jean jacket.
Photo by Garon Piceli

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.

Fanciful image of a white fluffy cloud in an ice cream cone held in a person's hand in a blue sky.
Photo by Rakicevic Nenad

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.

Elderly light skinned gentleman of undetermined race looking deeply into a metal bowl as he shapes the metal with a hammer. He's in a shop with wooden walls and doors and tools.

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!

White petaled fragile flowers on a white background.
Photo by Evie Shaffer

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.

Essay from Maftuna Rustamova

RESEARCH AND YOUTH: MODERN APPROACHES AND PROMISING DIRECTIONS

Maftuna Rustamova

Republic of Uzbekistan, Bukhara region

Abstract:

This article analyzes the role of young people in scientific activity in modern society, its problems and solutions, as well as innovative approaches to the development of science. Practical proposals are made to increase interest in science among young people, motivate them, and realize their scientific potential.

Keywords:

Young scientists, scientific research, innovation, education, modern technologies, progress, encouragement.

Login:

The 21st century is the century of information, technology and science. The future of every society depends, first of all, on the knowledge, thinking and scientific potential of the younger generation. One of the priorities of the state policy towards youth in the Republic of Uzbekistan is to involve them in scientific activities and support young scientists.

Main part:

1. The need to increase young people’s interest in science

Today, scientific progress around the world is developing at an unprecedented pace. However, most young people are not pursuing scientific activities, but rather pursuing practical, profitable fields. This is especially noticeable in the technical and natural sciences.

The following are being implemented in Uzbekistan to address this problem:

The activities of the Youth Academy and Councils of Young Scientists are being strengthened;

The number of scientific competitions and grants is increasing;

International conferences and internships are being organized.

2. Science and innovation: an integrated approach

Today’s youth are not only creating theoretical knowledge, but also creating practical results through innovative, startup projects. For example, scientific developments in the fields of IT, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and ecology are not only generating scientific articles, but also bringing economic benefits.

The following are important:

Developing STEM education;

Increasing digital literacy;

Promoting scientific thinking among young people.

3. Obstacles to scientific activity and their elimination

The main obstacles faced by young people in their scientific research are:

Lack of sufficient academic mentors;

Poor scientific article writing skills;

Limited financial resources.

Suggestions:

Establishing a “Youth Science Club” at each university;

Free seminars on writing scientific articles;

Organizing a “Young Scientists Forum” at least once a year.

4. The future of science is in the hands of young people

Today’s young generation is growing up with the internet, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. For them, science is not just about the laboratory, but also about knowledge exchange on the global network, online courses, and international cooperation.

For example, access to platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus is helping to unlock the scientific potential of young people.

Conclusion:

Arousing young people’s interest in science is the task not only of the state, but also of every teacher, scientific supervisor, and parent. Scientific progress begins with young people and is strengthened through their research. The bright future of our country is certainly in the hands of knowledgeable and inquisitive young people.

References:

Resolutions and decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( www.lex.uz )

UNESCO Youth and Science Global Report, 2023

Google Scholar article database

“Youth and Scientific Research” – National University of Uzbekistan Publication, 2024

https://scholar.google.com

Maftuna Rustamova, Bukhara region, Jondor district, Secondary school number 30, 9th grade student