Somewhere Between. 

*For John Dorsey. 

The dusk and the blanket of night, 

the temptation and trepidation, 

the aromatic handful of fries  

and the grease stained takeaway carton,

the ageing and the attrition, 

the nostalgia and the cautious optimism – 

we write, 

because it’s either that, or go crazy.

The BB Gun War of 2004. 

The greatest shot 

of the BB gun war 

of 2004 – 

was a complete fluke. 

One that at I’d FIRED 

from the top of the stairs,

at my brother who 

was hiding

under my dad’s chair 

reloading,

in the kitchen 

as our old man 

ate leftover lasagne. 

It sailed through 

the air and tiny square on 

the back of the chair 

to pierce flesh. 

Nobody appreciating 

the chances. 

of the shot connecting 

even if I’d tried, 

especially not my dad,

who’d just been shot 

straight in the arse.

A Memory of Basque Summer Rain. 

Sat at the desk, listening to thunder, 

drinking cheap wine – 

once again, I was the boy that nobody 

owned and I was alone in every sense 

that evening.

Through the window – 

a lightning bolt hit the ground and 

illuminated the tops of the palm trees – 

another storm having rolled in off 

The Bay of Biscay. 

The swing windows tapped against the wall, 

the stiff latch mysteriously undoing itself 

once again that evening – 

which only added to the strange series 

of events that had unfolded in that flat. 

I continued to sit there, waiting on both 

something and nothing, 

swearing that the lightning bolts outside 

were inching ever closer – 

certain that change was coming with them.

Why I Took Down The Dreamcatcher.   

I no longer dream about 

the one who got away, 

or the sinking mud that I’d fall into alone 

in that beautiful forest – 

where I’d eventually go down in awe, 

staring up at a cloudless sky. 

Yet, I see now that those dreams 

were the ones that I truly felt alive – 

with everything else 

feeling like a night shift where life 

passes idly by. 

Gwil James Thomas is a poet, novelist and inept musician. He lives in his home town of Bristol, England, but has also lived in London, Brighton and Spain. His second poetry collection The P45 Power Ballad is available from Yellow King Press and his nineteenth chapbook of poetry Until The Autumnal Sundown is forthcoming from Two Key Customs. Some of his poetry has been archived by The National Poetry Library in the UK. He is part English, part Welsh and part wolf. IG: @gwiljamesthomas.

THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LIFE OF SOCIETY AND THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED TO THEM

Khudoyqulova Shahzoda Sherali qizi
Student of the Faculty of History, Karshi State University

Annotation: This article discusses the attention and opportunities our state provides to women, young people with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups, in order to ensure that the youth of our society grow into healthy, educated, hardworking, and independent-minded individuals.

Keywords: Society, youth, neighborhood, state, gender equality, authority, women, leader.

Today, youth have become an integral part of shaping state governance, influencing the country’s domestic and foreign policy, and participating in its activities. The role of young people in the relationship between the state and society is significantly increasing. This is also true in Uzbekistan, where the indicator continues to grow.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, stated:
“We will continue the state policy on youth without any deviation and with full determination. Not only will we continue it, but we will also raise this policy to the highest level required by today’s era as our top priority. We will mobilize all the power and resources of our state and society so that our youth can think independently, possess high intellectual and moral potential, and become people who do not lag behind their peers in any field on a global scale, and live a happy life.”
[Mirziyoyev Sh.M. We Will Build a Free, Prosperous, and Democratic Uzbekistan Together. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan”, 2016, p.14]

This statement is a clear example of the great attention paid to youth. Since the future, development, and progress of a country are in the hands of young people, it is necessary to first refer to the international concepts and definitions of youth.

In different countries, the age range defining youth varies. For example, in the USA and Japan, individuals aged 13–14 to 29–30 are considered youth; in Bulgaria, it is from 15 to 29; in Russia, from 15 to 30. In Germany, “younger youth” are 14–18 years old, and “older youth” are 18–27 years old. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, according to Article 3 of the Law “On State Youth Policy,” individuals aged 14 to 30 fall into the youth category.
[http://blog.xabar.uz/post/yoshlar-orasida-huquqiy-savodxonlikni-oshirishda-huquqiy-ta-lim]

From this, we can understand that young people make up a large portion of our society’s population. When discussing youth, it is important to highlight the opportunities provided for them. In Uzbekistan, broad opportunities are provided to increase the role of youth and nurture them as important figures for the country’s future. One example is the democratic reforms introduced into the management system of the mahalla (neighborhood) institution.

New management mechanisms for working with youth have been introduced, a vertical system for youth engagement has been created, youth issues are addressed directly in neighborhoods, and efforts are being made to improve the effectiveness of educational, moral, and upbringing activities in educational institutions.

According to the Presidential Decree “On Measures to Radically Improve the System of Working with Youth in Neighborhoods” (PQ-92, January 19, 2022) [https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865], the position of youth leader was introduced in every neighborhood. Youth leaders are responsible for forming the “Youth Balance,” collecting necessary information about young people in the “Youth Register” and “Youth Portal” electronic platforms, and overseeing various youth support programs.

Based on the recommendations of youth leaders, different forms of assistance are provided, such as:

• One-time financial aid of up to 4 times the base calculation amount for low-income youth.
• Monthly rent subsidies of up to 3 times the base calculation amount for up to 12 months for socially vulnerable young families.
• Subsidies of up to 50 times the base calculation amount to cover up to 50% of tuition fees for talented but socially vulnerable students in vocational and higher education institutions.
• Subsidies of up to 4 times the base calculation amount to cover the cost of driving courses for socially vulnerable youth in state and non-state educational institutions.

A large portion of youth-oriented opportunities are allocated specifically to women. According to the Presidential Decree “On Accelerating Systematic Support for Families and Women” (PF-87, March 7, 2022) [https://lex.uz/docs/-5899498], reforms are being implemented to protect women’s rights and legal interests, increase their economic, social, and political activity, ensure their health, provide vocational training and employment, involve them in entrepreneurship, support women in need, and ensure gender equality, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In the education system, many opportunities are also being created. For example, socially active youth are given special privileges in admission to higher education institutions. The Presidential Grant is awarded to the top 200 applicants with the highest entrance exam scores in state higher education institutions. Education loans are provided for students studying on a contract basis, and 35% of tuition fees are covered for students who have completed military service or are socially active.

The introduction of the “Youth Register” to ensure the employment of unemployed youth has taken youth policy to a new level. Thousands of unemployed youth aged 18–30 in need of social, economic, and psychological support have been included in the register, and funds have been allocated through “Youth Funds” to solve their problems locally.

Healthy, educated, experienced, and forward-thinking youth are the greatest driving force for positive changes in society. As the First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, stated:
“The future of our Motherland, the well-being of our people, and the country’s prestige in the international arena depend primarily on how our children grow up, what kind of people they become, and how they enter life. We must never forget this absolute truth.”
[Islam Karimov. High Spirituality is an Invincible Force. Tashkent: “Ma’naviyat”, 2008]

Among the opportunities provided to youth, special attention is given to people with disabilities. According to the Presidential Decree “On Additional Measures to Improve the System of Supporting Persons with Disabilities” (PQ-74, February 27, 2023) [https://www.lex.uz/docs/6391378], privileges are granted such as priority access to public services for persons with disabilities and their caregivers, strengthening their legal guarantees, and improving the system of providing legal assistance to them.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted:
“Building a New Uzbekistan is not just a wish or a subjective process, but an objective necessity based on deep historical foundations, the current political, legal, socio-economic, and moral-cultural realities of our country, and the age-old aspirations of our people. On this path, we must fully mobilize the knowledge, potential, and capabilities of our citizens, who are the main driving force of our reforms. Only then will our country become a strong, prosperous, and respected state in the world, as our people have dreamed of.”
[Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan”, 2022]

Conclusion: Indeed, the attention and opportunities given to youth are among the strongest factors motivating us to move forward. If every young person knows how to use these opportunities wisely, they will undoubtedly grow into qualified specialists contributing greatly to the country’s development.

The continuous improvements and facilities in the education system are a source of pride. They aim to raise initiative-taking, intelligent young people, and to instill in them a sense of pride for living in a fully developed country.

Not only in education but also in other fields, youth are being supported. For example, loans are provided for young people to start their own businesses, vocational training is offered, and unemployed youth are assisted in finding jobs.

Significant attention is also given to sports, with our athletes raising our national flag high in international competitions and Olympic Games, proving the success of the country’s sports system.

It is also worth noting that young people with disabilities are given equal opportunities, and many have achieved great success in sports, arts, education, business, and leadership. Despite physical limitations, they have healthy minds, hearts, and spirits, and the state works to ensure they can contribute to society just like any other citizen.

From this, it is clear that our state maintains equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of whether they are healthy or have disabilities. This not only pleases us as youth but also motivates us to work harder for our country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Mahmut Yılmaz

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIFE’S GENTLE REFLECTIONS

(Võ Thị Như Mai)

The greatest enemy in life

is none other than ourselves

The whirlpool of lies and ignorance

is a blind road

leading us into dreams with no way out

Arrogance only brings failure

pulling us into deep suffering

Jealousy, a quiet sorrow

is like a sharp thorn

silently piercing the heart

Mistakes make us lose who we are

turning life into a dark, starless night

Neglecting our parents is a heavy sin

as burdensome as a thousand mountains

weighing on the soul

Self-doubt is painful and sad

like a bird with broken wings, unable to fly

But from every fall

we can rise again

like trees growing through rock

like light breaking through the darkness

Despair may feel endless

but hope is a steady star

always shining in the sky

Health and wisdom

are treasures more valuable than gold

Feelings are life’s debts

sometimes as light as a passing breeze

sometimes as heavy as unforgettable memories

Forgiveness is the greatest gift

bringing calm in the middle of the noise of life

Knowledge alone isn’t enough

A kind heart

and a gentle soul

are what truly define us

Giving and comforting

are like drops of honey

soothing the pain of the world

V.T.N.M.

THE BOOK OF SEASONS

(Võ Thị Như Mai)

A book lies open

its pages alive with blossoms

their hues shifting from black and white to radiant colour

each stroke of ink, colour of an era

Here, seasons reveals in cycles of brush and verse

cherry blossoms scatter as hopes for renewal

fallen leaves turn retreats into solitude

and the moon rises, a serene witness

to centuries of longing

The weight of tradition presses gently

layered meanings drift like petals in the wind

plum for passing beauty, pine for the everlasting

The borderlands between village and forest blur

where foxes haunt the edges of knowing

mystical, in-between

To look upon a garden

is to see history tell stories

a pine’s shadow carries the chill of distant winters

while lanterns reflect moons in memory

yet present still in gleaming silk

This is not nature untouched

but nature shaped, revered

held both close and cautiously distant

a mirror for the human soul

seasonal cycles

woven into the fabric of living

And in the end

the cherry blossom

is never just a cherry blossom

it is a thousand years of seeing

a transient note

the happiness of eternity

V.T.N.M.

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

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

Technology of Artificial Tooth Implantation and Post-Treatment Care

Alfraganus University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dentistry, 3rd-year student O‘ktamova Shakxnozabonu

Annotation: Artificial tooth implantation (implantation), X-ray and 3D scan to evaluate jawbone condition, avoiding hard or sticky foods, visiting the dentist every 6 months, cleaning with a soft toothbrush, the success rate of artificial tooth implantation

Keywords: Artificial tooth, psychological condition, preparatory stage, implantation, prosthetics, diabetes, osteoporosis, inflammation, osseointegration, laser implantation, computed tomography.Artificial tooth implantation (implantation) is one of the most important and widely used fields in modern dentistry. This technology helps restore the patient’s aesthetic appearance and chewing function in cases of tooth loss. Artificial tooth implantation not only restores external appearance but also improves psychological well-being. This article analyzes implantation technologies, their success rates, and post-treatment care.

Technology of Artificial Tooth Implantation Artificial teeth are implanted into the jawbone using titanium-based implants. This process includes several stages: Preparatory stage: The patient undergoes a general examination. The condition of the jawbone is assessed using X-ray and 3D scan. Implantation: The implant is placed into the jawbone using special instruments. Local anesthesia is used during this stage. Integration: The implant fuses with the bone (osseointegration). This process takes 3–6 months. Prosthetics: In the final stage, the artificial tooth is placed on top of the implant. Today, the process is carried out with much more precision due to computer-assisted planning, navigation surgery, and laser technologies. The success rate of artificial tooth implantation is around 90–98%.

The following factors influence it: Patient’s age: Usually applied to patients older than 18 with fully developed jawbones. Health condition: Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and smoking can negatively affect the success of implantation. Oral hygiene: If hygiene is not maintained, inflammation and infection may occur. Surgical expertise and technology: It is important for the surgery to be performed by an experienced specialist using modern technologies. According to statistical data, the success rate has increased in the last 10 years. Especially, the use of laser implantation and computer tomography reduces the chance of error.

Post-Treatment Care Proper care after implantation is very important. The following steps should be followed: Brush teeth twice a day and use dental floss; Visit the dentist every 6 months for a check-up; Avoid hard or sticky foods; Quitting smoking – this reduces inflammation around the implant; Clean with a soft toothbrush. In addition, patients may be advised to use special antiseptic mouth rinses and antibiotics. — Conclusion: The technology of artificial tooth implantation is a great achievement in modern dentistry. To achieve successful results, not only the technological process but also the patient’s health and post-treatment care play an important role.

References:

1. Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., & Sarver, D. M. (2013). Contemporary Orthodontics (5th ed.). Mosby Elsevier.

2. Graber, L. W., Vanarsdall, R. L., & Vig, K. W. (2016). Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques (6th ed.). Elsevier.

3. Bishara, S. E. (2001). Textbook of Orthodontics. W.B. Saunders Company.

 4. Misch, C. E. (2015). Contemporary Implant Dentistry (3rd ed.). Mosby.

5. Albrektsson, T., & Johansson, C. (2001). Osteoinduction, osteoconduction and osseointegration. European Spine Journal, 10(Suppl 2), S96–S101.

TO MY MOTHER

My mother – a mountain of strength so high,

What are mountains, compared to her blooming sky?

No, I was wrong — she’s my golden crown,

May she walk beside us, healthy and sound.

We are three daughters and one precious son,

To us, she’s a gem, brighter than the sun.

So many storms she has weathered as a woman,

May she stay strong — our prayers are human.

When I wept, calling myself unlucky and weak,

You asked, “Who dared make you feel so bleak?”

You never let your name be dragged through mud,

You said, “If you’re my child, then know only my love.”

Forgive me, mother, for every time I complained,

Wrap me in your love, in your warmth unchained.

You are both my father and mother — my soul’s gleam,

May I walk beside you in Heaven’s dream.

You are my treasure, the crown of my fate,

The sun in my sky, life’s dearest state.

Surrounded by grandchildren, joy never parts,

You are every child’s strength, the queen of hearts.

Gulnoza Valiyeva was born on April 30, 2006, in Okoltin district, Sirdaryo region.

A number of her poems have been published in the anthology “Towards My Goals…”, by one of the renowned publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States — JustFiction Edition.

She is currently a second-year student at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan. In 2024, she became the winner of the district-level poetry competition “Homeland Praised in Every Heart”, securing 1st place.

Thank You, “Tong Yulduzi”!

Creative Journey and Publications

Between 2021 and 2025, more than 50 of her literary works—both in prose and poetry—have been published in national and international press. Her works have appeared in publications such as “Fergana Haqiqati”, “Dono Word”, “Tong Yulduzi”, “Smile”, “Yangiyer Tongi”, and “Ijodkor”, as well as international journals like “Kenya Times”, “Raven Cage”, “Page 3 News”, and “Thotem” in Argentina. Farzona’s writings have also been featured in collective anthologies, including “Girls Nation – Daughters of the Nation”, published by Amazon.com (USA), as well as collections printed in Khiva, Jizzakh, and Sirdarya.

Her first book was published in 2021 in Great Britain and Europe.

Competitions and Achievements

To date, Farzona has been awarded over 95 diplomas, certificates, and memorable gifts for her active participation and success in various contests.

“Tong Yulduzi” – A Source of Inspiration

The newspaper “Tong Yulduzi” (Morning Star) holds a special place in Farzona’s creative journey. A poem dedicated to the paper by children’s poet Ro‘zimurod Bolqiyev continues to inspire her. According to Farzona, the newspaper, now 96 years old, was known as “Lenin Uchquni” (Lenin’s Spark) during her grandmother’s school years. She has had nearly 30 of her works published in the paper to date.

Farzona expresses deep gratitude to the editorial team of “Tong Yulduzi”—including Feruza Adilova, Nodira Nazarova, Nurbek aka, and all staff members—for their continuous support and warm attitude toward students across the country.

She is also an active member of the “Creative Children” club under the Republican Children’s Library, where the creativity of over 234 young authors is showcased. On average, 4 to 5 children report daily that their works have been published in “Tong Yulduzi”.

A Memorable Victory in Bukhara

Since the 5th grade, Farzona has participated in many creative competitions. She fondly recalls her first victory when newspaper representatives visited her school to award her in person. Later, she received awards by post. In a recent contest jointly organized by “Tong Yulduzi” and the family of the great Bukhara poet G‘ulom Shomurod, she proudly won first place.

Accompanied by her two grandmothers, aunt, and uncle, she traveled from Fergana to Bukhara, crossing seven provinces in 15 hours. Throughout the journey, she received frequent phone calls from the newspaper staff, asking about their well-being. Upon arrival, G‘ulom Shomurod’s children warmly welcomed them and accommodated them in a prestigious hotel. The staff treated them with great respect, offering warm food and tea.

At the event, Farzona’s heart beat differently—filled with excitement and pride. She listened attentively to heartfelt words about the late poet G‘ulom Shomurod, and was deeply inspired to learn more about his works. When she was announced as the first-place winner, her joy was beyond words. She was awarded with a diploma, memorable gifts, and books, including a poetry book by G‘ulom Shomurod himself. She also received a book from Obid Qo‘ldosh, a renowned poet and journalist from Bukhara.

After the ceremony, guests gathered for a special lunch. Though the organizers wanted to give them a city tour, limited time meant the participants had to bid farewell to the “Tong Yulduzi” team and the Shomurod family.

Farzona sincerely thanks the family of G‘ulom Shomurod, especially G‘ayrat Shomurod, the editorial staff of “Tong Yulduzi”, and the administration of Jondor District, Bukhara, for organizing such a meaningful event. She was particularly happy to learn that G‘ulom Shomurod’s poetry has now been included in school textbooks, giving future generations the chance to get to know his legacy from an early age.

Conclusion

Farzona believes that finding her place and rising in the creative world would not have been possible without the guidance of her mentors—especially the devoted team of “Tong Yulduzi”.

Thank you, “Tong Yulduzi”!

— Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi,

9th-grade student, School No. 18, Fergana City

Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi was born on December 10, 2010, in Fergana city. She is currently a 9th-grade student at School No. 18 in Fergana. This young creative girl is a member of several national and international organizations, including the “Creative Children” circle under the Republican Children’s Library, the “Double Wings Writers’ Union” (Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan), the international “IQRA Foundation”, and the Writers’ Union of Argentina.