Poetry from Lan Xin

A Dinner Alone

Poem by Lan Xin (Lanxin Samei)

Internationally acclaimed bilingual writer, poet and translator, member of the Chinese Writers Association. The only female inheritor of UNESCO-listed Dongba Culture, International Disseminator of Dongba Culture and practitioner of Chinese culture’s global outreach. Winner of the Italian Francesco Giampietri International Literary Award, President of Lanxin Samei Academy and Dean of Yulong Wenbi Dongba Culture Academy.

Back to this place, on the eve of the Year of the Horse

This homeland where I once lived for years

Harbored the first bud of dreams, wrapped in the warmth of attachment

Also bore the twists of fate, and the unspoken journeys of the past

Old friends have all left for their homes, the streets still familiar

I go alone for a meal, to the small shop with childhood tastes

Light clinks of bowls and chopsticks, no one by my side

No more the warm eyes I long to see

No need to force a smile, no need to echo polite greetings

Quiet thoughts run deep in my heart, only shared with myself

Filter out the false noise and entanglements of the world

This dinner is the peace of being alone, the loneliness of standing on a height

The higher you fly, the farther from the mortal world

Few appreciate the high melody, and truly understanding souls grow fewer

The wind of the higher dimension brushes my shoulders above the nine heavens

Why linger on the trivial chirps of mortal birds on the ground

Like a phoenix spreading its wings, soaring above the sea of clouds

Why pause the forward resolve for the trivialities of mortal dust

This dinner tastes the warmth and cold of human relationships

I see the world clearly, and hear the true answer of my heart

This is a dinner of pride, a calm of rising steadily

A quiet joy held fast, after seeing through the world

Let go of the bonds of the past, head for the distant mountains and seas

A dinner alone is also a completeness of one’s own

Homeland has no bounds; where the heart is at peace is home

When the heart holds the world’s mountains and rivers, every place is a blooming homeland

Blood ties are not the only way home; warmth can bloom even among strangers

Where someone understands you, cherishes you, and keeps you in their heart

That is the best haven in the world

Mountains and seas can all be crossed; a heart bond knows no distance

Even across thousands of rivers and miles, never met before

When souls know each other, we are close at hand

With love as the boundary, with the heart as the soil

The whole world is homeland, and there is the light of understanding souls everywhere on earth

Poetry from Ananya S. Guha

On the road there was

a man looked lonely

as vistas of the road

brought togetherness.

The man waited for a car

or bus. The wait, interminable.

Brought togetherness, with

childhood of days

that brought togetherness.

and recycles of lostness.

brought togetherness

the road seemed hollow

like deep within

brought togetherness.

Ananya S Guha
Shillong, INDIA.

Poetry from Patrick Sweeney


sheltered during the electrical storm
by my grandmother's freckled arm


          *


ignoring the elaborate directions
my brother the technopath


          *


zooming-in on the shoe in the street


          *


the stalled industry of clover crowns


          *


sea voyage atop the Crimson King maple


          *


the green undertow of my dysfunctional family


          *


you're a white cloud when nobody waits for your return


          *


she told the store detective the sweater wasn't even her style


          *


please continue, as long as you're not counting on being understood


          *


she knows all the birthdays of the dead


          *


the opulent life of the former bedwetter's
full underwear drawer

Poetry from students at East West Public School in Bangalore, India

Love Songs and Bloodbath

                 Std. 7 A and B

          East West Public School 

               Subramanyanagar

                  Bangalore

                      India 

            English Lab. depth. 

               Classwork activity 

                      45 mins. 

     Marathon Poetry Carpet Weaving 

“(The power of the pen vs The power of the sword) *

 The power of the sword kills the person

 It doesn’t change the world 

It leads to a valueless balance ,

Bloodshed, hatred and violence.

The sword may rule the world with fear,

The pen shows power and calls another ‘ My Dear.’

The pen shows your signature,

 The sword shows your anger 

 evilness and makes you a greedy. 

 The pen shows that you’re capable of much more,

No way less than the other.

You can erase if you make a mistake.

it’s a big success in itself.”

The sword plays a cruel game 

 it can never be successful. 

Zoya

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

1. Sword wages war and another brings peace through writings.

2. There’s a line in a Kannada movie: “Give a man a gun and he’ll become a terrorist, but give him a pen and he’ll write history.”

3. A great warrior with a sword was Shivaji Maharaj, while Rabindranath Tagore wrote the Indian National Anthem with a pen, stealing our hearts.

4. Kempe Gowda won freedom with his sword on the battleground, while Rashtrakavi Kuvempu wrote the Nada Geethe, stealing every Kannadiga’s heart.

Dhruva 7A

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

  Sword harm people and it can even kill  

The pen is used to change the world and even our future 

Chaitanya. C Reddy 

“Pen is with ink, sword is with blood

Pen gives us education, sword gives us bravery

Many battles have sword with blood, but pen is only with different inks

Pen is beautiful but sword is dangerous

Pen brings people together but sword eliminates people”

Prajitha 7B

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

“A pen can write for a person and ‘kill’ their problems.

What can kill many people in one shot? A sword.

Kings had both- favourite swords to kill, Wise quill pens to write their will. 

A pen can bring many people together to write.

A sword is a great ‘ chopper’,

A pen makes a person a topper.”

Charan.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

A pen’s power goes beyond writing ✍️

Rana Pratap’s sword claim to fame . Guru Nanak’s words, Calms the brain. 

Pen’s subtle, sword’s the brave 

Pen’s for thinkers, sword’s the action 

Might of ideas vs. might of blade 

Dasharath.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pens will build society but swords destroy society The pens lead a Person’s life smartly,         

  where as swords lead the person’s life foolishly.   

 Dhanyatha

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

……….

“Pen is mightier than the sword”

Pen, oh my pen, you helped me discover

Pen, oh my pen, you are so powerful

Pen, oh my pen, you’ll help me still

You’ll be alive

Pen, oh my pen, you’re helping me get a good place in society

Pen, oh my pen, the education you’re giving me is wonderful

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me in war

Sword, oh my sword, you are very scary

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me, though the war has ended

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me be a good warrior

Sword, oh my sword, the help you gave saved my life in war

……

Madan

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

……

There is a saying that ‘ a pen is mightier than the sword.’

A knight comes with a sword but a writer conquers with a pen. 

One for destruction ,the other for construction.  

The sword spills blood but the pen spreads divine energy. 

DHRUTHI. 

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A pen is not just an object; it is the object that changes our life.

– A sword is not only for killing; it showcases our skills, personality, bravery, and fearlessness.

Parikshith

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A sword defends us in war and helps us win, but a pen fights with letters and creates a beautiful poem.

– A pen decides an author, and a sword decides a king.

– A pen attracts us to write, and a sword forces us to fight.

– A pen designs something, and a sword destroys something.

– A pen is a letter of love, and a sword is a letter of of doom.

Pratigna

…………….

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

The sword v/s the pen The power of sword can kill hurt and create fear in many but a pen as the power to change the story of your imagination

Adi

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pen can open the eyes of the world

A sword can close them forever.

A pen can open up a heart but the sword shuts it down. 

Pen can change history and the sword too can change it too. 

Sword brings sorrow pens bring joy. 

Pen can build a new future for us and the Sword builds new kingdoms. 

Krithika.  

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

A pen carries ink in itself and can splash it on paper

A sword has nothing , it drinks blood and vomits. 

Vivian

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

The power of pen decides our future

Swords may decide life in a wrong way. 

A pen gives life. 

A sword takes life. 

Srishkand.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pen can design beauty 

Sword hunts for blood. 

Surag.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Power of pen vs Power of sword

The power of pen and the power of sword are equal but there is just one difference.It is that the sword is powerful in reality and a pen is powerful in imagination.A pen is a signal of love and sword is a signal of mayhem 

Sricharan K.Y.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

 If we give a pen to a person it is a gift but if we give a sword to a person it is a weapon.

 A sword will create pain in a person ‘s heart but a pen will create hope in a person ‘s heart.

A sword kills people but the pen writes beautiful stories of lives. A sword sends a letter of horror and sorrow but a pen writes a letters love and joy.

Hasini

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A pen can create an author, and a sword can make a king.

– A pen is filled with ink, while a sword is stained with blood.

– A pen helps us write, but a sword helps us win battles.

– A pen writes ink on paper, and a sword spills blood on the ground.

– Pens come in different colors, but a sword’s color is just one – blood.

©️ Yashitha GR

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

For project 

Youth and 

POETRY EAST WEST PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMIC ADVISER INT.ISA COORDINATOR 

GRACE SITHARAMAN

Essay from Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi

The Enduring Literary Legacy of Zulfiya in Uzbek National Culture

Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi

UZSWLU, Student

Abstract

This article explores the literary legacy of Zulfiya and her profound influence on Uzbek literature and cultural identity. The study analyzes the thematic richness of her poetry, her representation of women, and her historical significance within twentieth-century Uzbek literary development. Through a qualitative review of literary scholarship, this paper argues that Zulfiya’s works remain a moral and artistic foundation for contemporary Uzbek writers.

Keywords: Zulfiya, Uzbek literature, women in poetry, national identity, lyrical poetry

Uzbek literature has produced many influential poets whose works shaped the intellectual and emotional life of the nation. Among them, Zulfiya occupies a special and respected position. As a poet, public intellectual, and cultural symbol, she contributed significantly to the formation of modern Uzbek literary consciousness in the twentieth century.

Born in 1915 in Tashkent, Zulfiya emerged as a literary voice during a period of social and political transformation. Her poetry reflected both personal emotion and collective experience. Unlike purely romantic poets, she combined lyrical tenderness with civic responsibility. This unique balance established her as one of the most important figures in Uzbek poetry.

This article examines three major aspects of her legacy: thematic depth, representation of women, and national-cultural influence.

Historical and Literary Context

The twentieth century was a period of ideological change and modernization in Central Asia. Literature was expected to reflect social ideals while preserving national traditions. According to the National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan (2000), Zulfiya became one of the poets who successfully integrated traditional Uzbek poetic imagery with contemporary social themes.

Her early works focused on youth, hope, and love for the homeland. Over time, her poetry matured, expressing philosophical reflection and emotional resilience. Literary historians argue that her ability to maintain sincerity under ideological pressure demonstrates her artistic strength (Karimov, 2015).

Thematic Richness in Zulfiya’s Poetry

One of the most distinctive features of Zulfiya’s творчество is its thematic diversity. Her poems explore:

 • Love and devotion

 • Patriotism and national pride

 • Friendship and loyalty

 • Nature and beauty

 • Moral strength and patience

Unlike many poets of her time, Zulfiya’s patriotic poetry was not abstract or rhetorical. Instead, it was deeply emotional. She presented the homeland not as a political concept but as a living, spiritual reality connected to family, memory, and language.

Nature imagery plays an essential role in her poetry. Flowers, seasons, rivers, and gardens are not merely decorative elements; they symbolize renewal, hope, and continuity. Scholars emphasize that her use of natural metaphors connects personal emotion with collective identity (Rasulov, 2018).

Furthermore, her poetry often conveys optimism. Even when addressing loss or hardship, she maintains a tone of dignity and faith in the future. This optimistic realism became one of her defining characteristics.

The Image of Women in Her Works

Zulfiya’s contribution to women’s representation in Uzbek literature is especially significant. In many traditional literary texts, women were portrayed primarily as romantic figures. However, Zulfiya expanded this image.

According to Rasulov (2018), her lyrical heroines are emotionally sensitive yet intellectually strong. They demonstrate patience, moral courage, and independence. Through her poems, Zulfiya challenged stereotypes and presented women as active participants in social and cultural life.

Her personal biography also strengthened her symbolic role.

After the tragic death of her husband, poet Hamid Olimjon, she continued her literary work with resilience and dignity. This personal strength influenced her poetic voice and public image.

Today, the Zulfiya State Prize is awarded annually to talented young women in Uzbekistan, reinforcing her legacy as a symbol of female excellence and intellectual achievement (National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2000).

Stylistic Features and Artistic Technique

Zulfiya’s style can be described as lyrical, clear, and emotionally expressive. She avoided overly complex structures and preferred clarity of language. However, simplicity in her poetry does not mean lack of depth. Her lines often contain philosophical meaning beneath accessible vocabulary.

Her artistic techniques include:

 • Symbolism (flowers, spring, light)

 • Emotional contrast (hope vs. sorrow)

 • Gentle rhythm and musicality

 • Personal voice combined with collective experience

Karimov (2015) argues that her ability to blend individual feeling with national spirit places her among the central figures of modern Uzbek lyric poetry.

Cultural and National Significance

Zulfiya’s influence extends beyond literature. She became a cultural symbol of dignity, intelligence, and patriotism. Schools, institutions, and awards bearing her name demonstrate the institutional recognition of her impact.

In post-independence Uzbekistan, her poetry gained renewed attention as part of national identity reconstruction. Her works are studied in schools and universities, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their literary heritage.

Moreover, her emphasis on moral values — honesty, loyalty, kindness — remains relevant in contemporary society. In an era of globalization, her poetry reminds readers of the importance of cultural roots and ethical responsibility.

In conclusion, Zulfiya’s literary legacy is multidimensional. She was not only a talented poet but also a cultural figure who shaped national consciousness and elevated the role of women in literature. Her thematic richness, stylistic clarity, and moral strength continue to inspire scholars and young writers.

Studying Zulfiya today is not merely an academic task; it is a way of understanding the spiritual foundations of Uzbek culture. Her poetry remains a living testimony to the power of sincerity, resilience, and artistic devotion.

References

1.Karimov, A. (2015). Twentieth-Century Uzbek Poetry and National Identity. Tashkent: Literature Press.

2.National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan. (2000). Entry on Zulfiya. Tashkent: State Scientific Publishing House.

3.Rasulov, B. (2018). The Image of Women in Modern Uzbek Literature. Journal of Central Asian Studies, 12(2), 45–53.

4.Olimova, D. (2012). Women’s Voices in Central Asian Literature. Central Asian Literary Review, 8(1), 22–37.

Shahlo Sultonova was born on August 3, 2005, in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. She is currently a second-year student at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU).

As a university student, Shahlo is known for her responsibility, dedication, and strong interest in learning. She actively works on improving her academic knowledge and developing professional skills related to her field of study. Shahlo values self-development and strives to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Her main goal is to become a highly qualified specialist in the future and to contribute positively to the development of society through her profession.

Essay from Masharipova Yorqinoy Ravshanbek qizi

Masharipova Yorqinoy Ravshanbek qizi. Student of the Urgench State Pedagogical University, Philology Department.

SYMBOL OF COMPASSION

There is such a being in this world that no matter how much one writes or speaks about her, it will never be enough; there will always remain words left unsaid. Because a mother is not something that can be fully described by words — she is a sacred presence understood by the heart, felt through emotion, and measured by a lifetime. A mother is the beginning of life and the continuation of humanity. As long as she exists, we are never alone; as long as she exists, humanity remains whole. Even before we come into this world, our mother lives together with us. The nine months during which she carries us beneath her heart are not merely a biological process, but a school of spiritual connection, patience, and self-sacrifice. Throughout these months, a mother swallows both her joy and her pain. From that very moment, she begins to live for a child not yet born. She gives up everything that could pose a danger to the life growing within her. The warmth and affection we feel from the very moment of our birth belong to our mother. Perhaps that is why our love for mothers has always been different from all other loves.

When speaking of the purest love in human life, nothing can compare to a mother’s love for her child. Her compassion and affection are so pure that they are free of conditions and calculations. She never expects a reward for everything she does for us from birth until maturity. Seeing her children happy is the greatest happiness for a mother. In this world, the only person who believes we deserve a better life than the one she herself lives is our mother.

It is truly difficult to imagine life without a mother. She loves us more than anyone else. When the time comes, she is ready to risk even her life for us and strives to never let us lack anything. She always offers us the best of everything: food, clothing, words, and love. Even if she wears old clothes herself, she considers the best worthy only of her children. Have you ever noticed that when food on the table is scarce, a mother’s stomach is always “full”?

According to research, the strongest pain in the world is the pain a mother experiences while giving birth. And she endures it. As infants, we cry at night due to natural processes, and she endures that too. When we fall ill, her soul suffers even more than ours. As if that were not enough, she spends sleepless nights caring for us, forgetting rest and even herself — and she endures all of this for her children. But what about us? What have we done, and what are we doing, to repay those sleepless nights? We simply claim that we are not understood. Yet did she not understand us when we were infants and unable to speak? Was it not she who sensed our hunger and restlessness without a single word? Sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly, we hurt her feelings, yet she is a mother — would she ever truly resent her child?

We often consider ourselves people of high self-worth. Let me explain this with an example. Imagine that we take care of a domestic animal, say, a puppy. We feed it, play with it, and when our affection overflows, we might even bathe it. Time passes, and it grows into a large dog. One day, it starts barking at us and, having learned from stray dogs, even tries to attack us. Naturally, we would beat it or chase it away, trying not to let ourselves be harmed. Now think about it: is a mother, who has suffered, forgotten her own dreams, and devoted the most beautiful years of her life to raising her child, truly deserving of harsh words or complaints from her children over trivial matters? What should we call the fact that she faces such situations not once but many times, swallowing her pain each time and continuing to give love as if nothing happened?

A mother is the only being whose patience knows no limits and whose love is unconditional. She endures pain, adapts to sleepless nights, passes every harsh word from her child through her heart, yet continues to give love. But this silence and endurance are not signs of weakness — they are signs of greatness.

We have no right to think that a mother’s patience is infinite. Every swallowed sorrow, every unspoken pain leaves a trace in her heart. A mother does not expect perfection from us; she expects humanity — a kind word, a moment of attention, and a respect that lasts a lifetime.

Therefore, let us value our mothers not after losing them, but while they are still alive. For success achieved without a mother’s blessing is empty, and a path walked without her prayers is barren. As long as a mother exists, there is a mountain standing behind us. Before that mountain collapses, recognizing its value is our greatest human duty.

Essay from Mashhura Ochilova

The Girl with the Silk Scarf

The family was all together. Everyone had gathered in one room, watching a TV series. The voices coming from the television, the laughter and cheerful chatter filled the room, as if to say that life was alive and warm in this house. The stove hummed softly, slowly chasing away the shadows of the cold night.

The girl was sitting there too. Her silk scarf fell gently over her shoulders, not setting her apart from the others—on the contrary, it made her look even more ordinary, even happier. Among people, she always smiled. That was why no one ever thought she might be carrying pain in her heart. No one. But in truth, her inner world was completely different. Inside her lived unspoken words, accumulated questions, nights without answers. She could not tell this pain to anyone. Even if she did, would they understand? She was not sure. Depression lived quietly within her—it did not shout, it did not cry, it simply pressed on her heart, slowly and relentlessly.

She gently twisted the edge of her silk scarf between her fingers. To her, this scarf was not just an accessory. It was a curtain. A delicate barrier between the happy face people saw and the ruined world inside her. Silk was her silence—hiding her pain. A funny scene appeared in the series. Laughter filled the room once again. The girl tried to smile too. The smile was there on her lips, but her heart could not reach it. In that moment, she felt a truth once again: sometimes a person can feel lonely even among the closest people. Sitting near the warm stove, she took a slow breath. The heat touched her face, yet the cold inside her remained. Still, seeing her family’s happiness brought a faint light into her heart. At least they were happy. Perhaps her silence, her patience, was for them.

The girl slightly lowered her head. Inside, she turned to the Creator. No sound came out, no words formed on her lips—because some prayers are spoken only by the heart. “I am enduring,” she said within herself. “I am still standing.”

She knew that tomorrow everything would not suddenly change. Pain does not disappear overnight. But in that moment, she felt one thing clearly: she had not let go of hope. The silk scarf rested quietly on her shoulders as she slowly closed her eyes. The warmth spreading from the stove felt as though it was fighting the cold inside her. She sensed a tiny—very tiny—spark burning in her heart. Perhaps it was that spark that would push her to live one more day.

The girl slowly opened her eyes. Laughter in the room continued. She adjusted her silk scarf and joined the others once again. Because sometimes, to keep living, a person chooses to look strong. And silk—that was her silent strength.

Mashhura Ochilova was born on August 14, 2001, in Sherobod district, Surxondaryo region, Uzbekistan.

She is a graduate of the Faculty of Philology at Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, majoring in Korean and English philology.

Mashhura is an educator of Korean and English languages and a regional-stage participant of the prestigious Zulfiya State Prize competition.

She is the author of more than twenty international scholarly articles and has actively participated in academic presentations and conferences held in countries such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the United States. Her research papers have been translated into English and Turkish and published in international journals indexed on the Google Scholar platform.

   Fluent in Korean and English, and proficient in Russian and Turkish, she demonstrates strong multilingual competence. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Yumyong Academy Online Learning Center, where she teaches nearly 200 students in Korean and English languages, contributing to cross-cultural education and linguistic development.