Synchronized Chaos First March Issue: Oh, the Humanity!

Silhouettes of over a dozen people lining up to hold hands and stand straight on a beach peninsula at sunset or sunrise. Clouds and the glowing sun, reflection in water.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Poet Pat Doyne invites writers to enter the Tor House poetry contest. Submissions must be sent via snail mail to the address in the link and postmarked by March 15th.

Poet Eva Petropoulou shares that Our Poetry Association, an international writers’ collective, has opened submissions for its spring contest, with a theme of justice.

Poet and essayist Abigail George, whom we’ve published many times, shares the fundraiser her book’s press has created for her. She’s seeking contributions for office supplies and resources to be able to serve as a speaker and advocate for others who have experienced trauma or deal with mental health issues.

Synchronized Chaos Magazine also encourages you to watch short videos of international authors, artists, and activists interviewed on the Xena World chat show, including several of our contributors.

Poet Annie Finch seeks assistance with training a new app that will identify and teach different forms of poetic scansion. She’s looking for people who know how to do scansion manually to go over the collection of poems in the training set.

Essayist and poet Chimezie Ihekuna seeks a publisher for his children’s story collection Family Time. Family Time! is a series that is aimed at educating, entertaining and inspiring children between the ages of two and seven years of age. It is intended to engage parents, teachers and children with stories that bring a healthy learning relationship among them.

Essayist Jeff Rasley’s new book is out: It’s a story inspired by my own experience of a sophisticated California kid transferring to my grade school in the small town of Goshen, Indiana in 1965. It did not go well, when the new kid challenged the “gang” of kids who thought they were the cool kids who ruled the playground. For most of us, it was a blip in our lives. But one boy never recovered. 

It is a short story, just 25 pages. So it only costs $2.99 for the ebook and $9.99 for the paperback. For some of you, it may evoke nostalgia for a time gone by (like using Juno instead of gmail). For others, it will be historical fiction from a strange time and place.
Check it out at https://www.amazon.com/Came-Parkside-School-Jack-Thriller-Mystery-Romance -ebook/dp/B0DY9TKL6V

Contributor Kelly Moyer has a new book out, Mother Pomegranate and Other Fairy Tales for Grown-Ups. It includes the piece “The Pussy Whip” which she sent to Synchronized Chaos, as well as many other stories. It’s available here.

Contributing poet and Pushcart nominee Kurt Nimmo’s new book Texas and New Mexico: Selected Poems 2015-2025 is out and available here.

Our April 1st issue will be crafted by co-editor Kahlil Crawford. He’s a poet, musician, and essayist who has put together previous issues on Latin Culture and Electronic Music.

Chevalier's Books. Front of the store with glass windows showcasing all sorts of books. Store's name is in gold script letters on a dark pink painted background.

In March we will have a presence at the Association of Writing Programs conference in L.A. which will include an offsite reading at Chevalier’s Books on Saturday, March 29th at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend!

So far the lineup for our reading includes Asha Dore, Douglas Cole, Scott Ferry, Linda Michel-Cassidy, Aimee Suzara, Reverie Fey, Ava Homa, Michelle Gonzalez, Terry Tierney, Anisa Rahim, Katrina Byrd, Cindy Rinne, Norma Smith, and Kelliane Parker.

Black on yellow announcement for STAY WP on March 28-30th, typewriter clip art picture on the right.

Author Justin Hamm is hosting a FREE online literary event the weekend of AWP, known as StayWP. This will include author talks, informative panels, book launches and networking!

To register, please click here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe0jqgxfQn…/viewform…

Human of indeterminate gender with a rainbow of colors of paint bursting out of his/her head. Image in profile.
Image c/o Gerd Altmann

Now, for the first March issue, Oh, the Humanity!

Paul Tristram, like Whitman, sings of himself with easy confidence and exhilaration in life’s experiences. Philip Butera’s poetry speaks to the masks we wear and finding the courage to be authentic. Grzegorz Wroblewski digs deep into our fleshy reality, addressing the “meat” of our existence and our bodies’ undeniable needs. Tojiyeva Muxlisa also looks at our bodies, outlining common gynecological diseases and their treatments.

Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai’s poetry explores human emotion: romantic attraction, loneliness, grief, and confidence. Kendall Snipper speaks to the small and large sensations that bring back memories. Stephen Jarrell Williams looks back at the ‘paradise’ of his hometown in a moment of nostalgia. David Sapp recollects the wildness and local color of his boyhood days.

Kylian Cubilla Gomez’ photography captures a sense of whimsy and joy. A cat, Jean-Paul Moyer, partners with poet Kelly Moyer to create splashy, colorful paintings by moving paint around on canvas.

Life meets art in Alan Catlin’s work, as he recollects bits of his past and how he engaged with literary movements and cultural icons. Mark Young evokes moments of change, evolution, and decision in his poetry, as characters grapple with taking stock of themselves. Alaina Hammond’s drama explores the tension and commonalities behind practitioners of different art forms, and how and why they chose their crafts.

Umida Haydaraliyeva expresses the creative joy of an emerging author. Muhabbat Abdurahimova speaks to a poet’s quest for inspiration. Chris Foltopoulos’ guitar plucks out dulcet tones on his experimental music project Arpeggios. Chuck Taylor turns to writing as one of many ways to find solace during fits of insomnia.

Mahbub writes of a dream journey through gardens and his early childhood as Rus Khomutoff’s visual poetry takes us on a dreamlike quest through the beauty and mystery and riddle of our existence. Chuck Kramer’s work comes from a speaker of a certain age reflecting on their life and its meaning, finding purpose through experience teaching young children.

Ilhomova Mohichehra offers up her gratitude to her teacher. Bibikhanifa Jumanazarova poetizes about her mother’s wisdom and gentleness. Ibrahimova Halima Vahobjonovna celebrates the lifelong love and devotion of her mother as Sevinch Abirova contributes a piece of love and appreciation for a younger family member. Mirta Liliana Ramirez points out how she learned and got stronger from her past experiences, even from people who were not kind to her. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa speaks to the power of kindness and friendship, even online friendship across the distance, to affect our lives.

Yellow female-looking faces with bits of blue and red and orange blending into each other. Stylized art where faces overlap and share features.
Image c/o Gerd Altmann

Mesfakus Salahin recollects the joy of young love on a warm evening. Xavier Womack speaks of a crush and the desire for a deep connection with a classmate. Anna Keiko speaks to the joy, strength, and staying power of true love. Jeannette Tiburcio Marquez evokes the joy and sweet surrender of ballroom dance with a romantic partner.

Kristy Raines’ poetry explores both interpersonal romantic love and human compassion for the world. Peter Cherches’ short stories probe how much we owe each other as fellow inhabitants of the planet, how far we will go for each other. Graciela Noemi Villaverde expresses her hopes and dreams for international peace among humanity, and Eva Petropoulou does the same for the sake of the world’s children. She also pays tribute to her deceased father.

Dr. Adnan Ali Gujjar offers up a poetic tribute to the grace and mentorship of poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou and her advocacy for peace and global justice. Dr. Jernail Anand’s essay argues for the value of art and literature for a fully developed and moral society.

Nozima Gofurova shares about an inspiring visit to one of Uzbekistan’s national centers for the visual and performing arts. Poet and magazine editor Maja Milojkovic interviews one of Serbia’s greatest living poets, Dr. Maja Herman Sekulik, on her writing journey and the need for artists to teach ethics and culture to the next generation.

Saidqulova Nozima sings of her Uzbek homeland as Munisa Azimova celebrates her Uzbek heritage and homeland in tender verse. Still others focus on the nation’s many accomplished writers. Sevinch Shukurova illustrates how the genre of poetry allowed Uzbek writer Alexander Faynberg to concisely and directly express his message. Nilufar Anvarova sends up a poem on the creative legacy of Uzbek writer and statesman Erkin Vahidov. Odina Azamqulova highlights the contributions of writer and translator Ozod Sharafiddinov to Uzbekistan’s literary heritage.

Nosirova Surayyo offers up suggestions for becoming fluent speaking in a second language. Maftuna Bozorova encourages readers to learn about other cultures through learning foreign languages. Abduraximova Farida Khomiljon examines various methods for teaching English as a second language.

Noelia Cerna, in her new poetry collection Las Piedrecitas, as reviewed by Cristina Deptula, endures great loss, abuse, and racism. She finds the strength to stand firm in her own worth as a woman and a Central American immigrant in the United States, claiming her culture and her identity.

Poet and magazine editor Maja Milojkovic interviews poet and peace activist Eva Petropoulou Lianou about the power of our shared global poetic heritage to connect us.

Nafosat Nomozova draws connections among art, life, and the universal language of mathematics.

Bridge with rickety wooden planks near tufts of grass, heading towards sunlight but with gathering storm clouds.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Lazzatoy Shukurillayeva translates a poem by historical Uzbek writer Alisher Navoi that considers the vagaries of fate. Duane Vorhees speaks with a gentle humor to both intimacy and mortality. J.K. Durick’s work comments on transience: money, moments in time, even our health will pass. Kurt Nimmo addresses forms of living death in his work alongside actual mortality: being stuck in a dead-end job, being addicted, having one’s life’s work erased.

Mykyta Ryzhykh crafts a somber, deathly world. Jacques Fleury’s protagonist drowns himself in a quest for oblivion after his mental illness drives his family away, missing some potential positive news after his passing. Alex S. Johnson’s short story character decides against suicide when he encounters “spirits” who wish they had had more time on Earth.

Paul Durand’s piece explores how Andy Warhol transcended his ordinary, vulnerable humanity through art and fame. Taylor Dibbert finds a kind of strange and transcendent solace in the fact that great authors have written about the kinds of travel mishaps he experiences.

Maftuna Rustamova reflects on life lessons from growing up poor. Joseph C. Ogbonna describes the small and large privations of life in poverty in Nigeria. J.J. Campbell speaks to his memories, life, struggles, and inevitable death. Denis Emorine’s excerpt from his upcoming novel Broken Identities addresses the long shadow of the Holocaust in the cultural and personal memories of academics and writers.

Variety of darker and lighter pigeons search for scant bits of food on hard and barren ground.
Image c/o Bachchuram Bhandari

Pat Doyne lambasts Donald Trump’s plan to take over and gentrify the Gaza Strip by displacing its impoverished residents. Bill Tope’s short story traces how casual prejudice and homophobia can lead to violence. Abeera Mirza’s poetry tells the tale of how a young wife escapes domestic violence. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley’s collaborative story also presents hope as a wife bravely confronts her husband about his behavior and he chooses accountability and sobriety.

DK Jammin’ turns to his faith for moments of grace and solace in ordinary life despite a complex and sometimes harsh world. Sara Hunt Florez recalls the constant passage of time and encourages us to make the most of what we have, even in small moments with those around us. Ma Yongbo speaks to shifting reality and impermanence, human limitations and death, and the immortality he finds through creativity.

Isabella Gomez de Diego’s photos reflect the simple joys of nature, family, home, children, and faith. Maja Milojkovic offers simple kindness to a ladybug, releasing the insect to fly and dream freely outside. Lidia Popa reaches deep inside her mind to find inner personal peace.

Sayani Mukherjee revels in the small pleasures of a spring tea party. Rasulova Rukhshona celebrates Central Asian spring Nowruz New Year with a poem about loving grandparents, flowers and birds.

Brian Barbeito’s prose piece evokes his youth and personal creative awakening. Mushtariy Tolanboyeva expresses the lament of an impatient tree who wanted to blossom, but bloomed too early before winter finished.

Two human hands, two different people, holding a pigeon on a sunny day with a few clouds in the sky.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Daniel De Culla’s piece illuminates his love for all of the planet’s life and recognizes that each species’ existence is inter-related. Adaboyev Maqsad’s essay suggests pathways towards ecological sustainability, elucidating economic and legal means of addressing environmental issues.

Murodjon Asomidinov also discusses economics and global justice, calling for empowering the youth of the world through financial literacy education.

Z.I. Mahmud’s essay explores feminist Indian writer Amar Jiban’s writing about the struggles of older single and widowed women and the need for all women to have education as a pathway to independence and financial security. Nurmatova Aziza relates the tale of a young woman who bucks traditional gender expectations by traveling to the city for an advanced degree.

We hope that this issue will be a source of empowerment, commiseration, and merriment at the many facets of our shared humanity and our shared connection with the rest of Earth’s life.

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Poetry from Sayani Mukherjee

Tea

Teapots and adorable napkins
The child's soul knows no bounds
It clasps a little a lithe wards dream
A homesickness that grows in your soul
A pungent tea flavoured gift that i picked up
A flower of moth eaten daisies I charm in thee
Bottled and boat necked gifts that churn my soul
A homely affair a stage show for faint hearted
I like to knit sweaters in lulled voice
What if my voice reached you today? 
I will scramble and do the dishes the art of 
Domestic choices still I landed on my fairy tales
I daresay I will write on my behalf 
As poetry becomes a stagecraft for skin and home. 

Poetry from Rasulova Rukhshona

Central Asian teen girl with blue overalls and a white collared shirt. She's got black hair and earrings and a headdress.

Girls picking flowers

Makes bouquets

The guys are also gathered

“Ko’pkari” plays the game

Both mountains and gardens 

It is bluish in color 

Swallows are coming

Everyone knows that.

This is the most wonderful holiday

Nowruz, my dears,

Ancient, traditional

Everyone will appreciate it.

Grandmother, grandfather

They always pray

Peace and health

They put it in their eyes

Rasulova Rukhshona Vahobjon’s daughter was born on October 16, 2008 in Rishton district of Fergana region. In 2015, she started studying in the 1st grade of school 34 in this district. Currently, she is a 9th grade student of this school. Rukhshona Rasulova is interested in participating in various competitions, writing poems and stories, and reading many books.

She regularly participates in school and district competitions and takes pride of place. Also she participates in many online contests and earned international certificates. She is a member of various creative teams and the 2024 “Ufq ilmi” 1st place winner.

As a young artist she has unlimited goals in her heart. Her biggest dream is to become a “young reader”.

Rukhshona Rasulova’s poems were published in the book “Youth of Uzbekistan” published by Justfiction publishing house, and in one of the most prestigious British magazines “Raven Cage” and “Kenya Time” in Thailand. And she has been included in various anthologies covering artists across the Republic. 

Poetry from Saidqulova Nozima

Central Asian teen girl with brown hair up in a bun, brown eyes, an embroidered headdress, earrings and a dark suit coat over a white blouse with black lace on the neck.

Saidqulova Nozima To`lqin daughter

                                  Republic Uzbekistan

                   Kashkadarya region Karshi centre

               Karshi Engeneering-Economist Institute

                           Sanoat faculty 3-rd student.

Motherland

To praise the motherland,

My highest wish, my family dream.

In your corners that filled my heart,

My feelings are awakened, in your dreams.

I live to praise your name,

I saw my mother in you.

Be full of love,

I saw my father in you

Courage and strength.

Exalt your name,

It’s a confession.

If I wave your flag,

To another country.

Heard your description,

                  Greatness heard.

Let him wonder surprised,

My heart is white.

Dream rush,

My motherland is mine.

Poetry from Maftuna Rustamova

Teen Central Asian girl with long dark hair, brown eyes, and a gray tee shirt with a red collar. Photo has her tilted to the right and she's got a blue and gray design behind her.

A child of an ordinary person has the most knowledge, but a child of a rich man knows nothing.

Why are you always a rich man’s son?

Why do you say that if a man with money is his father.

Did you see, my friends, this story of mine will still be answered in the Day of Judgement.

Poetry from Ibrahimova Halima Vahobjonovna

Central Asian teen girl with long dark hair, brown eyes, and a black vest over a white collared shirt standing in front of a bookshelf, holding an open book.

Mother

The word starting with Bismillah, 

Good causes evil, 

I read the Qur’an myself, 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

Knowing the value of prayer 

Praying in prayer 

Building palaces in heaven 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

A companion for goodness 

Only the head is bowed in prostration 

Tears of joy 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

Carrying it on his shoulder 

Be safe, don’t be sick 

If you call, it’s one below 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

Always thank God 

I’ll take it to 

McCullough Two worlds for reward 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

Your husband is like Ali 

You won’t be able to dream. 

Wearing the crown of memory 

Your daughter will be old, mother. 

Ibrahimova Halima Vahobjonovna was born on February 11, 2007 in the Shafirkon district of the Bukhara region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Currently, she is a 10th grade student of the 7th MFCHÕIDUM in Uchkuduq District, Navoi Region. Until now, she participated in several international competitions and anthologies and received certificates. She is the author of the poetry book “Lines in my heart” and a candidate for the state award named after Zulfiya. Some of her poems have been published in magazines and newspapers. She’s the owner of the “Young Creator 2024” badge, and a member of the People’s Democratic Party.

Essay from Nosirova Surayyo

How to build confidence in speaking a second language

Annotation: Nowadays, many language learners face problems related to speaking skills. These issues arise due to the speaker’s tendency to get nervous during speech, fear of making mistakes, and lack of sufficient vocabulary. There are also enough solutions to these problems.

Аннотация: В настоящее время многие изучающие язык сталкиваются с проблемами, связанными с навыками говорения. Эти проблемы возникают из-за того, что говорящий часто волнуется во время речи, боится делать ошибки и не имеет достаточного словарного запаса. Также существуют достаточные решения этих проблем

Annatatsiya: Hozirgi kunda ko’plab til o’rganuvchilar gapirish ko’nikmalariga oid muammolarga duch kelmoqdalar. Ushbu muammolar odatda nutq paytida hayajonlanish, xatolar qilishdan qo’rqish va yetarlicha so’z boyligiga ega bo’lmaslik sababli yuzaga keladi. Bu muammolarni hal qilish uchun yechimlar ham mavjud.

Keywords:audio,confidence,debate,native speakers,conversations

Ключевое слово: Аудио, уверенность, дебаты, носители языка, разговоры

Kalit so‘zlar:audio,ishonch,munozara,o‘z tilida so‘zlashuvchilar, o‘zaro suhbat

Confidence in speaking, especially in a second language, is a skill that develops over time with consistent effort and practice. Here are some strategies to build your confidence:

1. Start Small: Practice speaking in comfortable, low-pressure environments. Begin with familiar topics like hobbies or daily routines.

2. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just a few sentences to yourself, a language partner, or a tutor. There are some apps available to practice.

Hello Talk — The Best App for Conversation. It allows you to chat with English speakers worldwide through text, voice recordings, voice calls, and video calls. FluentU — The Best Media-Based App. FluentU offers English videos, including news, music, and advertisements. With interactive subtitles, you can click on any word to get additional information about it.

3. Focus on Communication, Not Perfection: Making mistakes is natural and an important part of learning. Aim to communicate your message, even if your grammar or pronunciation isn’t perfect.

4. Record Yourself: Listening to your own speech helps you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time. When students record their voices, they gain a valuable opportunity to listen to themselves and identify areas where they might be making mistakes in pronunciation, grammar, or fluency.

By carefully analyzing these recordings, they can work on correcting these mistakes, which leads to gradual improvement over time. This practice not only enhances their speech clarity but also boosts their confidence, as they become more aware of their progress and develop better control over their language skills. Additionally, recording their voice allows them to track their development and recognize the positive changes in their speaking abilities, further motivating them to continue practicing. The best program for recording audio is Audio Lab. It is free and useful for students.

5. Expand Your Vocabulary: The more words you know, the easier it becomes to express yourself confidently. Learn phrases and expressions relevant to common situations. Every student has to learn vocabulary to improve their language skills. A strong vocabulary is essential for understanding and expressing ideas clearly. One of the best materials for learning vocabulary is the Cambridge Dictionary. It offers accurate definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides, helping students learn how words are used in context. Additionally, the dictionary provides synonyms, antonyms, and related words, which can expand a student’s vocabulary and improve their ability to communicate effectively in English.

6. Engage with Native Speakers: Join language exchange programs, participate in online forums, or attend local events where you can practice English with native speakers. Engaging with native speakers is one of the best ways to improve confidence in language use. If students shadow their speech, they can enhance their fluency and proficiency quickly. However, are the terms ‘native speaker’ and ‘non-native speaker’ truly appropriate, practical, and useful for describing language identity, use, and understanding? When referring to English, which country or countries are considered ‘native’? And within those countries, which region or dialect defines ‘native English’? Does ‘nativeness’ in English Language Teaching (ELT) necessarily lead to better teaching experiences, improved learning outcomes, or a more effective learning process?.

7. Prepare for Conversations: Before speaking, think about what you want to say. Practice common phrases or responses to likely questions. If a student has conversations, they should prepare.

8. Stay Positive: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones. Today, most students are not confident because they worry about making speaking mistakes. However, this mindset is incorrect. Everyone makes mistakes; only those who don’t learn from them fail to grow. Mistakes teach us valuable lessons. A student may make mistakes today, but tomorrow they will avoid repeating them.

9. Learn from Feedback: Accept constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve, not as a reflection of failure.

10. Participate in Speaking Activities: Join debates, book clubs, or storytelling sessions to use your language skills in interactive and engaging ways. Participating in speaking clubs is one of the best ways to improve your speaking confidence. When you need to speak in front of others, preparation is key. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow. On the internet, there are plenty of resources you can utilize, such as “55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project.” These resources provide valuable guidelines to enhance your speech. One important skill in debates is anticipating the opposing side’s arguments. To strengthen your position, prepare ahead of time by considering what the other side might say. This allows you to effectively counter their points and make your arguments more convincing. Additionally, participating in debates hones your critical thinking, persuasion, and public speaking skills, all of which are essential for building confidence. Joining such activities will not only improve your speaking abilities but also boost your overall self-assurance.

A first-year student at the Uzbekistan State World Languages in the Faculty of Philology and Teaching English, located in the Uchtepa district of Tashkent.

References:

https://global-edu.uz/articles/ingliz-tilini-organishda-foydali-boladigan-6-ta-mobil-ilova/

https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/native-speakerism-%E2%80%93-what-it-and-why-does-it-matter

https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-debate-topics

O‘. J.Yo‘ldoshev Umumiy Pedagogika. Toshkent-2017 

H.T.Omonov, N.X. Xo‘jayev, S.A.Madyorova, E.U.Eshchonov. Pedagogik 

texnologiyalar va pedagogik mahorat”.Iqtisodiyot-Moliya” Toshkent-2009 6.Shomirzayev M. X. Developing educational technologiesin school technology education //Asian Journal of Multidimensional Research. – 2021. – Т. 10. – №. 5. – С. 

7.73-79. Bekmuratova U. B. “Ingliz tilini o’qitishda innovatsion texnologiyalardan foydalanish” mavzusida referat. Toshkent — 2012 yil

8.Отабоева, М. Р. Chet tilini o’qitishda zamonaviy innоvatsion texnologiyalaridan foydalanish va uning samaradorligi / М. Р. Отабоева. — Текст: непосредственный, электронный // Молодой ученый. — 2017. — № 4.2 (138.2). — С. 36–37. — URL: https://moluch.ru/archive/138/39058/ (дата обращения: 27.04.2020)

9.Pankov I.P., Zakharov V.P. Information retrieval systems // Applied linguistics. – St. Petersburg, 1996. – P. 334-359

10. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/