Poetry from Prasanna Kumar Dalai

Middle-aged South Asian man in reading glasses, a dark suit coat, white collared shirt, and a red tie and blue lanyard. Below him is the icon for his book Banayat Odia, with two medieval armored knights lunging at each other, with a red circle in the background.

UPSET WITH ME!

Your craziness and airiness won’t kill me

Your being upset with me rather troubles 

Why so stubborn and arrogant you are 

I have the companionship only with you

It’s well tested & proven thousand times

Can sacrifice life & break relationships

Have been waiting for your sweet smile

Can stand anything but your indifference 

I know not if I am worthy of your love 

But I can’t do sans you, trust me or not.

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai @India

WITHOUT ANY REASON!

In search of faithfulness in this world 

I got to know I was in wrong address 

And my life hasn’t become complete 

My shortcomings were ignored though

I was punished without any reason

If I live on I feel like torturing myself 

And I go out fetching God in her heart

The person this heart sincerely seeks

There is always a mystery in the air

My days & nights are upset without you.

SLIGHT IMPRESSION!

You came to my world and disappeared

Next moment ; I thought several times 

That first look with a slight impression 

Why does it make my heart so restless 

Your smiling back with sweet glances

I don’t know what you are waiting for

Am I the one whom you trust so much

Why I have this feeling time and again

The buds of rosy lips have blossomed

Is it due to the passion of your heart?

MARK OF BLEMISH!

We will flow in the air, cloud and rain

As you’re my rain and I’m your cloud 

If I’m not yours, I won’t be anyone else’s 

Know not why the world is jealous of us

It’s not mark of blemish but kohl of love

An illness in accordance to this world 

But the ones in love know it as divinity 

The twist of love and life has brought us

I’m deep darkness and you’re my dawn

A lost traveller, I’m yours and you’re mine

It may be infatuation if love is one-sided

But ours is love for each other, isn’t it?

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai

(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha.He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India .His free verse on Romantic and melancholic poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village Nandiagada of Ganjam District,the state of Odisha.After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then M A in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and D.litt from Colombian poetic house from South America.

He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention. He is an award-winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writing worldwide. His free verse poems not only inspires young readers but also the ready of current time. His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems have been translated in different Indian languages and earned global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in the future. He is an award-winning poet and author of many best-selling books.

Recently he has been awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips. Also a gold medal from the World Union of Poets in France & winner Of Rahim Karim’s world literary prize for 2023.The government of Odisha’s Higher Education Department appointed him as a president to the governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar. He’s the winner of “HYPERPOEM ” GUINNESS WORLD RECORD 2023. Recently he was awarded, at the SABDA literary Festival at Assam, the highest literary honour from Peru’s Contributing World Literature 2024, the Prestigious Cesar Vallejo Award 2024, the Highest literary honour in Peru. He’s the director of teh Samrat Educational Charitable Trust in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.

Vicedomini of the World Union of Poets for Italy.

Completed 249 Epistolary Poems with Kristy Raines of the USA.

Books.

1.Psalm of the Soul.

2. Rise of New Dawn.

3. Secret Of Torment.

4. Everything I Never Told You.

5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata.

6.100 Shadows of Dreams.

7.Timeless Anguish.

8.Voice of Silence.

9. I Cross my Heart from East to West. Epistolary Poetry with Kristy Raines

Poetry from Jerome Berglund and Christina Chin

Christina Chin (plain) 

Jerome Berglund (italic) 

Princess Carry

first butterfly

voices approaching

ellipses in the 

closed captions

on my cut papaya

milkweed

kaleidoscope 

the monarchs

piercing deeper 

bedecked 

in gold leaf

Diane de Guise

Loss Leader 

japanese apricot

million cherries

in a crack

one summer

on the cotton gingham 

afternoon tea

—split scones 

and clotted cream

scampering squirrels chirp

something I did right    

something did wrong 

belle époque

Poetry from Chimezie Ihekuna

Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben) Young Black man in a collared shirt and jeans resting his head on his hand. He's standing outside a building under an overhang.
Chimezie Ihekuna

Save Mankind

Man seeks a savior

He goes about it using it vigor

He is aware of the rigor

Man looks at the environment

He figures the movement

He ensures it will last all moments

But:

Man discovers he’s wrong

He thinks of the way out through his song

He works out his strong

Man searches for riches

He goes all out for the fishes

He thinks that they will meet his very wishes

But:

Man is dissatisfied

He is worried he is not gratified

He believes his agenda will be clarified.

Man goes after wellness

He seeks to work its happiness

He feels that’s his essence

But:

Man realizes he’s in a vicious circle

He devises the way-out of the ridicule

He’s certain his IQ would bring the driving vehicle

Man seeks a life companion

He searches in passion

He’s sure this won’t take him to oblivion

But:

Man is failing over a time-a hundredth

He sees himself being swallowed up by the earth

He makes his priority death

This time…

Man seeks his kind

He engages with a tough find

He succeeds on the note: “Save Mankind”

Poetry from Liang Zhiwei

Older middle aged East Asian man with thinning hair and reading glasses and a blue collared sweatshirt.

Humanity Grows Cold in the Wind’s Howl

Spring flaunts its wild, dazzling passion across the fields,

Summer’s blazing hues vanish beyond the skyline,

Autumn arrives in gilded splendor,

leading a tribe of carefree immortals—

only to fade into winter’s bleak, snow-lit silence.

The Earth was never truly ours,

its soil long stained crimson with cold-blooded fury.

Thick snow blankets nature’s desolation, its indifference,

while melting patches expose the brutal history of beasts—

their savagery, their slaughter.

Only the wind understands humanity,

watching generations thrive and wither

amidst the drizzle’s murmur,

leaving behind untold secrets.

In the depth of blackened stillness,

a sound erupts—

a wolf-king’s simulated shriek, so piercing

it tears the night sky asunder,

scattering frozen stars upon the ground.

Who doesn’t yearn for the Earth to reclaim

its primordial grace?

June 12, 2025, Liang Garden, Shanghai

Liang Zhiwei is a famous antique collector and poet in Shanghai. Editor of the supplement of Shanghai Labor News. Member of the World Chinese Poets Association.

Essay from Nozima Ziyodilloyeva 

Women’s Education in Uzbekistan: Opportunities and the Path to Progress

Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has undertaken major reforms in the field of education. In particular, significant opportunities have been created for women to gain knowledge and acquire professional skills. This is because one of the key factors in societal development is women’s literacy and their active participation in science, culture, and the economy.

Today, thousands of girls across Uzbekistan have the opportunity to study at higher educational institutions. Government-funded scholarships play a vital role in supporting them on this journey. These efforts are part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening the role of women in society and unlocking their full potential.

Scholarships and Quotas for Women

Special benefits and programs have been introduced for girls seeking education in Uzbekistan. Currently:

Separate quotas are allocated for female students admitted under state scholarships.

Through the “Women’s Register,” talented but financially disadvantaged girls receive assistance to pay their tuition fees.

Under the “Iron Register” and “Youth Register” programs, special privileges are provided to support girls’ education.

Presidential scholarships and other grants are awarded to encourage the academic achievements of outstanding young women.

International scholarships and global education programs are also making it possible for girls to study abroad.

Additionally, the number of vocational training centers for girls has increased in recent years, where they are trained in modern professions. The growing number of skilled women in fields such as IT, engineering, and business is a clear indication of this progress.

Progress in Girls’ Education

Currently, a significant proportion of students in higher education institutions are women. Across the country, many women are becoming leading specialists—not only in education but also in entrepreneurship, science, and social spheres.

In particular, recent years have seen:

A growing interest among girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The establishment of business incubators and entrepreneurship development centers specifically for women.

Successful participation of Uzbek girls in various international grant programs.

Thanks to the reforms being implemented by our government, young women are now developing into competitive professionals not only within the country but also on a global scale.

Peace – The Foundation of Independent Learning

Today, young people in Uzbekistan have the opportunity to pursue knowledge freely in a peaceful and independent country. This serves as a solid foundation and a confident step toward a bright future.

In contrast, we see thousands of young people around the world being deprived of education due to wars, instability, and conflicts. In Uzbekistan, however, great attention is paid to education, and favorable conditions are created for the youth. As a result, our girls are realizing their potential in science, technology, culture, and various other fields.

Therefore, today’s youth—especially young women—must set high goals and make full use of the educational opportunities available to them. Because we, the youth of Uzbekistan, are learning with confidence in a peaceful nation and a promising tomorrow!

Nozima Ziyodilloyeva 

Student of Uzbekistan State World Languages University

Poetry from Naeem Aziz

Young South Asian man with a trimmed beard and mustache, short dark hair and a light green collared shirt. He's standing in front of a white wall with an Arabic character behind him.

Liberty or Death

They took our country from us,

They took our lands from us.

Yet could not chain our voice,

Nor silence freedom’s poise.

They burnt our homes to dust,

They crushed our dreams unjust.

But still we rise with flame,

With liberty in name.

They’re harming our people,

They’re killing our lives.

They are the most punishable,

In depth of our eyes.

Are you people ready for

Liberty or death?

Our goal stands for 

Liberty or death.

Our freedom is our breath,

Our oath is liberty or death.

We’ll break their chain,

Or perish in the rain.

Md. Naeem Aziz is a Bangladeshi Author, Writer, Poet, Engineer and Photographer. He is best known for his poems & photography. He was born on 10th December 1998. He is from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Poetry from Paul Durand

First Grade Music Class – Is there Poetry Here?

A class of first graders sway and rock.

Beating rhythm sticks to a sweet children’s-tune,

while a happy cartoon raccoon bops from beat to beat.

Using the Prometheus-unbound board.

We learn about music together;

Knocking out together the rhythmic bones of music.

I-teacher joyfully shows out: bobbing, swaying, smiling, watching.

Showing each child how to enjoy, especially the boys.

“This is how it is done. You can do this too. It’s fun.

C’mon it’s a joy. Do this with me kids.”

You are under my care: watch, learn, act, enjoy, bloom.

You are safe in my classroom.

Skinny Latino girl with a yellow bow in her long hair.

Look at her sway and speak to herself, hitting her sticks.

She smiles, with happiness, enjoying within herself and with her class.

A tune so happy and carefree I-teacher feels young.

Little Latino girl, hair style from 25 years ago, or from the South.

Long, long hair, lovingly combed and curled here and there.

A bright yellow ribbon adorning her luxuriant hair.

Her mother, her grandmother love this girl and make her beautiful for school.

They style her hair in a traditional way, not realizing the differences.

I-teacher spot it, smiles, she is loved, tenderly so.

And those who love her, make her pretty in a style from decades ago.

My dear sweet child, lovingly sent to school.

by a mother and grandmother who work in town.

Will you be safe from the hate?

The hate that spreads like exploded napalm.

Will the fire of racism come for you?

Please learn to dance and to love, not to fear and hide.

Stay in my class my sweet child, under my protection.

No one will take you while you are in my realm and vision.

Once I-teacher overheard one Latino middle-schooler say to another,

“Ice is going to take you away bro.” A prophetic tease.

Some truth, some meanness, some fear.

I’m searching for the poetry here.

I see the singing, swaying, stick-tapping girl.

Learning musical rhythm joyfully.

Her out-dated hair style topped with a shining yellow bouncing bow.

Such a cute, happy gift to the world – a heart with a glow.

And the haters, the thugs, their strengthening apparatus’.

Mug like professional wrestlers to the cameras.

Promising to remove this child and others.

Today, under my care and protection

My innocent children learn about music and rhythm,

While, out there, hate mobilizes against them.