Poetry from Gregory Wallace

Middle aged white man in reading glasses and a gray suit and blue and white checkered shirt with short gray hair in front of a red and white and yellow and blue and green psychedelic fractal design background.

MIRRORS OF LITTLE SUN 

Mirrors of little sun

ridges rushing with curtain

dark is bright behind carnival  

child transecting The Skeletal lampshades

bright halo faster with pink head  

vanished then hung stars down

the blazing

displayed bright supports with its  

strangely shining radiance

Bronze blasted Sun King wanted snow

his frozen head

like a blow from armor surrounded by shining deities

glowing eyes polished around the blade

spectators saw him unwrap his golden feet

the zero of moon region approaches Sun machine all fused

but earth edge turns galaxies off its golden haze in

the water maidens see nitrogen like methane glowing

A FABULOUS MARBLE DREAMED ON RED GLASS

A FABULOUS marble DREAMED on red GLASS  

a Butterfly IS YELLOW pumpkin and pop

daisy aftershave

soft peppermint Sausages with cake

cock of sandpaper in blue ice lake

fallen peach Candied BETWEEN the skirt inside of

pink tabletop touching crunch with pop

pink sunshine and blue apples  

then another between the legs

with chuckling woodchuck and freaky cone

clock made of pudding

penguin wearing sombrero OF hard sunshine

Eating a marble peppermint and talking to a woodpecker  

SUN in skies under yellow Lake

glass eyes floating in wooden belly

Bunnies pecking corners with Candied lips

breast hops between fuzzy tabletops

ANTIQUE MOON

Submarine with green flesh

bubbles with swarms of bees

empyrean universe filled with ghosts

folded back the jungle as

mist crowns little lakes  

Chemical wind roars

world collapses slowly

waitress forces salts beyond

the pyramidal structure

Empire under thick edges of chopsticks in creased sea

GRANULAR sky polished cloud  

flashing to misted Book buried in darkness

spheres disappear in milky skies

strumming folded fringes in a carbon buzzer

Or harps of ice found hazy rays of jeweled atoms

Blisters looking from the sparkle pulses

recombining floating equations

disconnected in cobblestones

five surfers handed his hats to Blood compounds

infinitesimal CLUSTER an opalescent dream

Kierkegaard the sweet rubbing world

the antique moon disturbing particles through

Little boxes wearing EASTER with intricate gears

pill opened by dull darkness ironed

Roman

 off

HILLBILLY BEES

I saw tables inside tiny rooms  

there the sand drops two forbidden nose cones  

HILLBILLY BEES on a blurry Road  

fuzz approaches with one of the beetles

chieftain sent yellow cone but

space benches would double him

unclear efforts moved to March

clearly someone with gold glass of photos and a talking

system photocopies with corkscrew

Historic animals flip before   

washed shirt or glass of buzzers  

Helga couldn’t bestow a tube that sent dozens from vapor

STORM linen wearing the standard deduction

constructing numerous evenings

which formed and blended

a grim cheer of Bundles when

Neptune saw only Small rimmed etching

CONCENTRATION CAMPFIRE

Swampy crocodiles in

wrecked fluorescent dimension

rain dress shrank her armor

brightness scalded thunder

fire clusters hide shake dimension

focus generators flag electric springs

feather lanterns vanish

cheeks elliptical

assembling continuous drift  

accumulate system vortex

Shelley bruised pillow and cloud

from relaxed incandescence

pink sardines curled freeze arrangement

dented women on confused face magnet

ringing top the juice curfew

thick insect surrounded

lost lozenges of haggard kisses

with hands embroidered groups of

transposed gas planets

POLTEXT

The risen is unbearable

sudden brightness through trigger profits

their galaxy dreams of 22

distant Hardtop without the poles

cyclones flick those silent crystals

smoke falls where ghost seconds against pieces

their mountain systems choreographed despite silver rust

oblivion islands glow in five Ray process

THE wounds had accepted faded bottles

poltext cocked the disintegrator

Chicago shrank into blue hares

black sky pale in the golden time

stepping transparent brightness

denouncing range through melted wire

regressing to the mandatory parentheses

Africa felt hatch of fluttering color

trees dissolved with Aldebaran out of ICE police

hot pressed metal whispered from forbidden consequences

Monday in tiny glowing crack of TWITTERS and decomposing crummalite

the manda grass around nylon gun is GLOWING

closed skull tries swiftly the glimpsed room

ash separator hop and long palms through world liquidation

The timejector pulsation creeps on tomorrow  

then the call was spinning on Machine for pink hours

again picture pressures THE computer candy

but dotted 16 oscillations over crylon bars

burning owls give small covering for folded hands

Gregory Wallace has been making art of various kinds for at least 50 years. He was active in the mail art scene in the 80s and participated in international mail art exhibits and correspondence. Mr. Wallace was a founding editor of Oblivion magazine and has published several books of poetry including The Girl With Seven Hands, The Return of the Cyclades, and Exile and Kingdom Come. His artistic activity encompasses poetry, collage, sculpture, assemblage, photography and painting. His work has appeared in Typo, BlazeVox, #Ranger, Black Scat Review, Clockwise Cat, and many other journals.

Essay from Eshtemirova Jasmina

Central Asian young woman with long dark hair, brown eyes, a white blouse, and a green and gold sash.

Life is very short. We face various obstacles throughout our lives. Our life consists of lows and highs. But trials make us stronger. They teach us how to live in life. In any situation, the important thing is not to give up and not to repeat the mistakes you made. The best way is to To see the good in situations and to be an example of our successes to those who have done wrong. Even if everyone abandons you in these trying times, your parents, the key to heaven, will be by your side and your encouragement will be there. My parents never fail to help me, both in our happy days and in our difficult times. My dad is a true hero and a great source of confidence for me. They always support me. Not only my father, but all fathers in the world are ready to sacrifice their lives for their children. For every girl, her father is the strongest person in the world. The greatest happiness for a father is to see his child grow up, and he is ready to do anything for this. He sacrifices his own health to see his son perform on big stages and achieve success. Dad is a selfless man who sacrificed his own health for us, giving up precious time for us.


One incident that touched me was when my brother was sick and my mother took him to the hospital with tears in her eyes. That’s when I realized how difficult it is to raise a child. I love my parents very much and my biggest dream is to be a worthy child for them. When asked what happiness is, I answer that it is happiness to have my parents and to be able to breathe. The real wealth is when your parents say, “I believe in you, daughter,” and that is a great strength. Our mothers are our angels on earth, and our fathers are our heroes. I would like to conclude my speech with one sentence. Behind the most successful people are strong people who support them. The strongest people behind me are my mother and father. I love them very much. And making their dreams come true is my biggest goal. If I stop moving and get tired, I remember what my dad said. You have to be a big man. Of course, I will make my father’s dreams come true.

Eshtemirova Jasmina was born in Yakkabag district of Kashgar region. Holder of international certificates. Knows and continues to learn English and Turkish. Holder of a national certificate in her native language.He has won honorable mentions in many competitions. He is a participant in the district stage of the Young Reader competition.”Ilhom tomchilari” “Soʼzlarimdan jahon eshtsin” “Koʻngil kalitlari ”  actively partipated in the publication of books with  articles and creative works Her dream is to win the Zulfiya Award and make her parents proud.

Poetry from Priyanka Neogi

Young South Asian woman with long thick dark hair, a pink knit cap, and a red top, in front of a pink curtain.

With Achievement

Everyone’s eye on the light,

The light is attracted to the brilliant.

Improve life by keeping in the light.

Everyone wants to live with respect and respect,

Many do not know that respect and respect are not cheap.

Gains respect in the work of achievement,

To everyone is valuable in valuable work,

Life is on the way to Tatini.

Achievement in one’s own hands,

If you work hard, Your own life must improve.

In the hope of the dream of the dream, in the hope

Only if the equation of reality will shine the light of hope.

In the eastern sky, the clouds are frozen, the clouds are erased over time.

Life is shaking the light of hope,

You have to move on with it.

Short biography: Amb. Dr.Priyanka Neogi from Coochbehar. She is an administrative Controller of United Nations PAF, librarian, CEO of Lio Messi International Property & land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, Literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international Co-ordinator of Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.

Essay from Sevara Uzaqova

Central Asian teen girl in a white blouse and black skirt in front of the Uzbek flag.

Exploring the Impact of Blended Learning on University Students’ Mastery of English Grammar

Uzaqova Sevara 

UzSWLU, English language and Literature

sevarauzaqova19@gmail.com

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of blended learning on the acquisition of English grammar among university students. Blended learning, which integrates traditional face-to-face instruction with digital resources and online platforms, has gained traction in higher education as a flexible and student-centered approach. The research was conducted with a sample of undergraduate English majors at a public university. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving both a control group receiving traditional instruction and an experimental group exposed to a blended learning model.

Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations, and student feedback. The results suggest that students exposed to blended learning showed a significant improvement in grammatical accuracy and engagement compared to those in traditional settings. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating blended methodologies into grammar instruction to enhance learning outcomes.

Keywords

blended learning, English grammar, university students, grammar instruction, language learning methods, digital education, online platforms, ESL teaching, higher education, instructional design

In recent years, the landscape of higher education has undergone significant transformation due to advancements in technology and the growing demand for more flexible learning environments. Among the emerging instructional models, blended learning has attracted considerable attention for its potential to enhance student engagement and academic performance. Blended learning refers to an educational approach that combines traditional classroom teaching with digital tools and online resources, allowing students to access content beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom.

The teaching of English grammar, often perceived as rigid and rule-based, presents a unique challenge in language education. Conventional methods tend to rely heavily on rote memorization and textbook exercises, which may not effectively support students’ long-term retention or practical application of grammatical rules. As educators search for more interactive and student-centered approaches, blended learning offers a promising alternative that can cater to diverse learning styles and improve overall comprehension.

This study focuses on university-level English learners, particularly those enrolled in language and linguistics programs, and explores whether the integration of blended learning techniques can positively influence their mastery of English grammar. By comparing the outcomes of students exposed to blended instruction with those taught through traditional methods, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach and provide insights for future curriculum development.

The integration of technology into language education has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, leading to a surge in research on blended learning models. Graham (2006) defines blended learning as a combination of face-to-face instruction and computer-mediated activities, emphasizing its flexibility and adaptability in diverse educational contexts. This model has been particularly influential in language learning, where engagement and repeated exposure are crucial for mastering linguistic structures such as grammar.

Several studies have highlighted the potential benefits of blended learning in grammar instruction. For instance, Chen (2011) conducted a study with Taiwanese university students and found that those who participated in blended grammar lessons outperformed their peers who received only traditional instruction. The study emphasized the role of multimedia tools in enhancing learners’ understanding of complex grammatical concepts.

Similarly, Al-Jarf (2005) explored the use of online grammar exercises in Saudi universities and noted a significant improvement in students’ grammatical accuracy and confidence. The study suggested that asynchronous online activities allowed learners to practice at their own pace, which is often not possible in time-constrained classroom settings.

However, not all research presents a wholly positive picture. McCarthy (2010) warns that without careful planning and instructional design, blended learning environments can become disjointed and confusing. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Means et al. (2013) reported that while blended learning generally leads to better outcomes than face-to-face instruction alone, the effectiveness greatly depends on the quality of digital content and the instructor’s ability to integrate it meaningfully.

Despite growing interest in the topic, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the specific impact of blended learning on university students’ acquisition of English grammar, especially in non-native English-speaking contexts. This study aims to contribute to this area by examining how a structured blend of online resources and in-person instruction affects grammatical proficiency among university-level ESL learners.

This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning in teaching English grammar to university students. The research was carried out over the course of one academic semester at a public university where English is taught as a foreign language. The participants included 60 undergraduate students majoring in English language and literature, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 30 students.

The experimental group received grammar instruction through a blended learning model that combined traditional classroom teaching with digital platforms. These included interactive online grammar exercises, video explanations, and weekly discussion forums via a learning management system (LMS). The control group, in contrast, received instruction solely through face-to-face lessons using conventional textbooks and grammar drills.

Prior to the intervention, all students were given a pre-test designed to assess their baseline understanding of key English grammar structures (tenses, modals, conditionals, and passive voice). At the end of the semester, the same test was administered as a post-test to measure any improvement in grammatical knowledge.

In addition to test results, qualitative data were gathered through classroom observations and student feedback questionnaires. The observations focused on students’ engagement levels, participation, and use of digital tools. The questionnaires aimed to collect learners’ perceptions of the blended learning experience, its advantages, and any challenges they encountered.

To analyze the results, the pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired sample t-tests, and qualitative responses were coded thematically. This mixed-methods approach allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of both the measurable impact of the blended learning model and the students’ subjective experiences with it.

The analysis of pre- and post-test results revealed a clear difference in performance between the two groups. While both groups showed some improvement, the experimental group, which received blended instruction, demonstrated a significantly higher increase in grammar test scores. On average, their post-test scores improved by 28%, compared to a 13% improvement in the control group.

This suggests that the blended learning model was more effective in supporting students’ understanding and retention of grammatical structures. One possible explanation for this is the flexibility and interactivity offered by the digital materials, which allowed students to review lessons at their own pace, repeat challenging exercises, and engage with multimedia explanations that catered to different learning styles.

Classroom observations also indicated a higher level of engagement among students in the blended learning group. These students were more likely to participate in discussions, ask follow-up questions, and take initiative in completing grammar tasks both online and in class. In contrast, the control group tended to rely more on teacher explanations and showed less independent effort outside classroom hours.

Qualitative feedback collected through questionnaires supported these findings. Many students in the experimental group reported that the visual and interactive elements of online grammar tools made it easier to understand complex topics. They also appreciated the opportunity to revisit materials outside of scheduled class times. However, a few students mentioned difficulties related to internet access or occasional confusion with navigating the digital platform—issues that should be addressed in future implementations.

These results are consistent with previous research. For example, Chen (2011) and Al-Jarf (2005) similarly reported improved outcomes when grammar instruction was supplemented with digital tools. However, this study adds further depth by showing that student perception plays a significant role in the success of blended learning, not just test results.

In summary, the findings suggest that blended learning can significantly improve students’ grammatical proficiency when properly structured and supported. However, its effectiveness depends on access to reliable technology, clear instructional design, and proper teacher guidance.

This study set out to examine the effectiveness of blended learning in the context of English grammar instruction at the university level. The results clearly demonstrate that students who engaged with both in-person instruction and digital learning tools performed significantly better than those who received only traditional classroom teaching. The blended learning group not only showed measurable improvement in grammar proficiency through test scores, but also reported higher levels of motivation, confidence, and overall satisfaction with the learning experience.

The study highlights several factors that contribute to the success of blended learning. First, the flexibility offered by online materials enabled students to review grammar rules and practice exercises at their own pace, outside of the limitations of class time. Second, multimedia content — including video explanations and interactive quizzes — catered to various learning styles and helped make abstract grammar rules more understandable. Third, the integration of classroom interaction with online tasks fostered a more active and student-centered learning environment.

However, the research also identified some challenges. A few students expressed difficulties accessing online platforms due to internet connectivity issues or lack of experience with certain technologies. These obstacles, while not widespread, point to the importance of providing proper technical support and training when implementing blended learning strategies. Moreover, the effectiveness of the blended model heavily relies on how well instructors design and manage the balance between face-to-face and digital components.

The findings of this study have practical implications for curriculum designers, language instructors, and educational policymakers. As blended learning continues to gain popularity in higher education, particularly in the post-pandemic academic landscape, it is essential to ensure that such approaches are not simply add-ons, but are meaningfully integrated into the learning process with clear objectives and support systems.

Future research may explore the long-term effects of blended learning on language retention and transferability of grammar knowledge to real-life communication. It would also be valuable to investigate how blended models influence other language domains, such as writing fluency, reading comprehension, and oral accuracy. Expanding the sample size and including learners from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds would further strengthen the generalizability of findings.

In conclusion, blended learning represents a promising instructional approach that, when carefully implemented, can significantly enhance students’ acquisition of English grammar and contribute to more effective and engaging language education at the university level.

References

Al-Jarf, R. (2005). The effects of online grammar instruction on low proficiency EFL college students’ achievement. Asian EFL Journal, 7(4), 166–190.

Chen, Y. L. (2011). The effect of applying blended learning to English grammar instruction. English Language Teaching, 4(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n1p91

Graham, C. R. (2006). Blended learning systems: Definition, current trends, and future directions. In C. J. Bonk & C. R. Graham (Eds.), The Handbook of Blended Learning (pp. 3–21). San Francisco: Pfeiffer Publishing.

McCarthy, J. (2010). Blended learning environments: Using social networking tools to enhance the student learning experienceAustralasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(6), 729–740. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1037

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2013). The effectiveness of online and blended learning: A meta-analysis of the empirical literatureTeachers College Record, 115(3), 1–47.

About Author—Sevara Uzaqova

Currently a third-year undergraduate student specializing in Foreign Languages and Literature at Uzbekistan State World Languages University

Competitor and active participant in the TedxUzswlu competition

Member of the “Universe” Volunteer School, engaging in community service and leadership development programs

Participant and presently serving as a member of the organizing team for the “Sefer” project, contributing to its planning and execution

Volunteered at the “Baynanminal Event”, organized by the “Chinor” community, assisting with event coordination and management

Active member of the “Marifat” Promoters Association, involved in educational outreach and awareness campaigns

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

Poetry from Mark Young

Position Paper

The

calf-high

high-heeled

highly-polished

hand-tooled

cowboy boots

are exquisite

but without them

the

emphysemic

pint-sized old

man under his

sweat-stained

ten-gallon hat

would need

to carry an

acetylene

torch in

order to

strike any

sort of spark.


? & !

The thing I find

most amusing

about the on-

line “what _____

are you?”

meme / quizzes

are the

conclusions

people feel

they can afford

to admit to.

Sorry, Aretha

I just don’t know

what to do with

myself so I play

Dusty Springfield

songs in the hope

the son of a Preacher

Man might come

along & take time

to make time & tell

me everything’s

alright, out of sight.

Prescript

I feel no

need to

document my life

fully.

Maybe after I’m dead

I may wish

I had.

But then…..

After I’m dead

somebody

may read

my poems & decide

I have documented

my life

even if

fit-

fully.


Sweet Charity

Is channeled in to her

from some source

more immediate than

Shirley MacLaine. Other-

wise she would take no

note of it. But hearing

the words in a language

with which she is not

familiar but which she

speaks fluently

gives pause.

Poetry from Strider Marcus Jones

Tall light-skinned man in a printed tee shirt with blonde curly hair next to a shorter brown haired woman in glasses and a knit cap.

TWO MISFITS

it was no time
for love outside-
old winds of worship
found hand and mouth
in ruined rain
slanting over cultured fields
into pagan barns
with patched up planks
finding us two misfits.

i felt the pulse
of your undressed fingers
transmit thoughts
to my senses-
aroused by autumn scents
of milky musk
and husky hay
in this barn’s faith
we climbed the rungs of civilisation
so random in our exile-

and found a bell
housed inside a minaret-
with priest and muezzin
sharing its balcony-
summoning all to prayer
with one voice-
this holy music, was only the wind
blowing through the weathervane,
but we liked its tone to change its time.

LOW VAULTED CEILINGS

within those man stone walls
promoting their god
bringing us to him
i told the priest-
you tell us to be content
with poverty
while you live in this big house
throwing us scraps
begged from money lenders.
this is not what Jesus
asked his disciples to do.
this is not what he died for.
he said live amongst us
and share what they have.
the priest,
red with rage,
oppressive and oppressed-
pulled my mam aside
made her shrink in his stare
weep in his words
walk me in our sins
from his dark-damp house of angels.
outside
in feral sunshine
i pointed to grinning gargoyles
chasing chastened shadows
back down primitive paths-
to a cellar flat,
bare bulb dangling
prison beam probing
baptised flesh
and mam tipped tears
soaking into straw mattresses
sucking up cold from the flagstone floor
woodworms eating a Van Gogh table
where six mouths sat
sharing stale bread and cold beans
with whiskered skirting board mice.
years later,
i left Dedalus in Dublin
in the pages of a book
to his epiphany
and Jesuit suit of guilt-
while i quenched
my glistening fruit
in street light ladies-
drenched in smokey curling
dancing clouds
and stories from voices
bouncing off low vaulted ceilings
caressing human in darkness.

OLD CAFE

a rest, from swinging bar
and animals in the abattoir-
to smoke in mental thinks
spoken holding cooling drinks.

counting out old coppers to be fed
in the set squares of blue and red
plastic table cloth-
just enough to break up bread in thick barley broth.

Jesus is late
after saying he was coming
back to share the wealth and real estate
of capitalist cunning.

maybe. just maybe.
put another song on the jukebox baby:
no more heroes anymore.
what are we fighting for-

he’s hiding in hymns and chants,
in those Monty Python underpants,
from this coalition of new McCarthy’s
and its institutions of Moriarty’s.

some shepherds sheep will do this dance
in hypothermic trance,
for one pound an hour
like a shamed flower,

watched by sinister sentinels-
while scratched tubular bells,
summon all to sunday service
where invisible myths exist-

to a shamed flower
with supernatural power
comes the hour.

AN OLD WOODEN BOAT

an old wooden boat,

the long sail through erotic journey

tattered and torn,

lip red paint peeling on planked carcass,

bleaches on a sandbar-

the silent tributary

of its river bed

dried and cracked.

smudges of mascara

over scented seasons

woman the shell of a dress

she wore

with full breasts

and firm behind.

i remember-

don’t take

the corn coloured sun for granted,

or ignore

her constellation and unmentioned course,

unless, you want to pace the deck,

invisible to love

counting silent stars

talking to the unknown.

DOES HER FAR BEAUTY KNOW

does her

far beauty know

where my thoughts go

without her

when i walk

in lush rain lashing down-

squatting in enclosed fields

of remote wheat and barley

around told feudal cities and towns-

to talk

to fate and how it feels

to be emptied entirely

of hopes sounds-

these evolutions

fill rich men’s purses

and revolutions

are poor universes

that try to bend

the unequal

to be equal

without end.

does her

far beauty know

where my thoughts go

with her

when i walk

in lush rain lashing down-

soaked in moments come to this

paradise and precipice

belonging

bonding

thoughts

serendipitous

blowing into us-

gives shelter to the self

of us and other else-

unlike bare rooms we rent

to leave behind

when change moves us to fit

into it-

with only our echo and scent

of passion and mind.

Strider Marcus Jones – is a poet, law graduate and former civil servant from Salford, England with proud Celtic roots in Ireland and Wales. He is the editor and publisher of Lothlorien Poetry Journal https://lothlorienpoetryjournal.blogspot.com/. A member of The Poetry Society, nominated for the Pushcart Prize x3 and Best of the Net x3, his five published books of poetry  https://stridermarcusjonespoetry.wordpress.com/ reveal a maverick, moving between cities, playing his saxophone in smoky rooms.