Poetry from Scott Derby

Crooked be the road that leads to Ithaca. For hubris has blinded me, like Polyphemus. I grasp for answers but feel men in sheep’s clothing— Who was I to question Poseidon’s teachings?

To live porcine in gilded halls did not make me a king, For beauty ages, unlike Calypso’s graces—it wasn’t meant for me. Leaving lotus petals like broken dreams, I embrace reality. Seven years I have sailed—will three more make prophecy?

I accept that my crooked path may lead to distant shores. Hopefully my Penelope will be there when I land; If she’s not, I’ll still have become a wiser, older man.

Poetry from J.J. Campbell

Middle aged white man with a beard standing in a bedroom with posters on the walls
J.J. Campbell

down by the river

good news on the

other side of doom

treat yourself like

a king for once in

your life

and here i thought

that meant line up

all those that need

to be killed

oh, those things you

aren’t supposed to

say out loud

yet the tragedy goes

on

maybe if i hit the lottery

maybe if she really loves

me

maybe if the books start

selling

maybe if i actually cared

to bother people to know

i exist

comfort in sitting in the

park and scribbling madness

while the world burns for

the thousandth time today

drove down by the river

didn’t see any vans

or the homeless

i’m sure they found them

decent housing, right?

—————————————————————-

the little joys of life

watching porn in

the waiting area

while mom is in

with her therapist

somewhere freud

is smiling

temptation is the

volume button

with the next

person two

chairs away

these are the little

joys of life these

days

and here they

thought i was

going to be the

president or a

teacher

some educated

thinker meant

for greater things

all while i’m

betting the over

while studying the

odds on baseball

games in japan

————————————————–

one bad saturday night

most people are shocked

when i tell them i first

thought of suicide when

i was eight years old

but then i tell them

about being sexually

molested by a female

cousin

how my father hated

me for being born in

january instead of

december

and they start to

understand

and then we get to the

time i tried to set myself

on fire at seventeen

i go on and tell them

my will to live is now

stronger than ever

but, as this world gets

crazier and crazier, i can

never say it won’t cross

my mind again

fuck, we’re all one

bad saturday night

away from that

shotgun in the

corner being the

last woman we’ll

ever kiss

—————————————————-

every second i exist

sanitize my mind for

the thousandth time

today

it still won’t erase

all the hatred and

pain my eyes take

in every second

i exist

i never remember

it like this as a child

of course, that utopia

never lasted long

either

we are always one

shit stained pair of

underwear away

from the end of

the world

some are expecting

jesus

i figure it will be

more like hiroshima

i had a homeless guy

tell me the only things

that will survive are

the roaches and keith

richards

he liked telling that

joke while drinking

out of a brown bag

he’d offer me a swig

for three cigarettes

he then would ask for

a light

the second swig always

tasted sweeter

———————————————————–

peel back the layers

it’s the low hum

of an air conditioner

meant to dull the

senses almost to

the point of sleep

so the therapist

can peel back

the layers of hate

and abuse and all

the other shit over

the years and get

to the core of what

every therapist knows…

you’ve been fucked

since childhood

and that is precisely

why i don’t waste

my time

give me a shot of

something strong

a good conversation

over a meal and the

occasional beautiful

woman to possibly

fuck and life would

be as good as possible

i can think of plenty

of better options for

that hour that is

costing $200

there has to be a

game on some

channel

———————————————————————

J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is old enough to know where the bodies are buried. He’s a three time Best of the Net nominee and a soon to be two time Pushcart Prize nominee. He’s been widely published over the years, most recently at Disturb the Universe Magazine, The Beatnik Cowboy, The Rye Whiskey Review, Misfit Magazine and Yellow Mama. His next chapbook should be out soon. You can find him gambling on basically any sport he can possibly watch. He does still have a blog, although he rarely has the time to write on it. (https://evildelights.blogspot.com)

Essay from Dilafruz Karimova

Young Central Asian woman with long dark hair, brown eyes, a black coat and white top.

Teaching Methods in Modern English Language Education

Abstract: This article discusses the importance of effective teaching methods in modern English language education. It focuses on how innovative approaches can enhance students’ learning experience, motivation, and language competence. The paper also explores traditional and modern teaching techniques, comparing their impact on learners’ engagement and outcomes.

Key words: education, language, method, traditional, modern, learner.

In the modern educational environment, English language teaching has undergone significant transformation. Teachers today are expected not only to provide linguistic knowledge but also to develop students’ communicative competence, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. To achieve these goals, various teaching methods have been introduced and developed to meet the diverse needs of learners. Traditional methods such as the Grammar-Translation Method and the Direct Method have played a vital role in the history of language teaching. The Grammar-Translation Method emphasizes grammatical rules and vocabulary through translation exercises, which can help learners understand language structure. However, it often lacks opportunities for speaking practice. The Direct Method, on the other hand, promotes communication through the use of the target language only, encouraging learners to think in English and develop fluency.

 With technological advancements and changing educational needs, modern methods such as Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Task-Based Learning (TBL), and the Audio-Lingual Method have become increasingly popular. CLT emphasizes meaningful communication and real-life contexts, while TBL focuses on completing tasks that require language use, promoting active learning. The Audio-Lingual Method, based on repetition and drills, helps learners internalize language patterns through listening and speaking practice. In addition, the integration of digital tools has revolutionized teaching methods. The use of multimedia, online platforms, and virtual classrooms creates a more interactive and engaging learning environment. Teachers can incorporate videos, games, and mobile applications to make lessons more dynamic and accessible. Digital technologies also support self-directed learning, allowing students to practice language skills at their own pace.

Another essential approach is the use of differentiated instruction, where teachers adapt their teaching styles to meet the needs of individual learners. This method recognizes that students have different learning preferences, abilities, and interests. By varying activities, materials, and assessments, teachers can ensure that all learners progress effectively. Furthermore, learner-centered approaches such as project-based learning and cooperative learning encourage students to take an active role in their education. These methods promote collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving—skills that are crucial for success in the 21st century. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding learners through activities that foster autonomy and confidence in using English.

In conclusion, the effectiveness of English language teaching largely depends on the choice of methods used in the classroom. Combining traditional and modern approaches allows teachers to balance structure and creativity. Innovative teaching methods supported by technology can motivate learners, improve their language competence, and prepare them for global communication. Teachers should continuously update their pedagogical skills and adapt to the evolving educational landscape to ensure successful language learning outcomes.

References:

1. Harmer, J. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Pearson Education,2001.

2. Brown, H. D. Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. PearsonEducation,2007.

3. Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press, 2014.

4. Nunan, D. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Routledge, 2015.

5. Larsen-Freeman, D. Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. Oxford University Press, 2000.

Dilafruz Karimova was born in Gurlen district, Khorezm region, Republic of Uzbekistan. She is currently a fourth-year student at Chirchik State Pedagogical University and she works as an English teacher at Secondary school No.34. She can speak Uzbek, English and Russian languages. She is holder of international certificates, participant in international anthologies and conferences.

Poetry from Rashidova Lobar

Young Central Asian teen girl with long dark hair, brown eyes, and a black and white patterned top standing in front of a set of drawers.

MOTHER TONGUE

They say — the mother tongue is the nation’s mirror,

My language — the soul and life of my people.

With mother tongue, hearts shine clearer,

My Uzbek tongue — my homeland’s symbol of honor.

Because of you, the nation lives on,

Past, present, and future in you are drawn.

From my mother’s lullaby your melody was born,

For you — my heart is full of love and devotion.

Language — the brightest star in a nation’s sky,

Each of your words leaves a radiant light.

If you fade, the people’s identity will die,

With you, the nation stands in its might.

My Uzbek tongue, be eternal, stay strong,

Though ages and centuries may move along.

You are our pride, our glory, our story,

My mother tongue — bloom forever in glory!

Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute, Student of Mathematics and Informatics

Essay from Muhayyo Toshpo’latova

The Current State of Uzbek Literature

Uzbek literature today stands at a fascinating crossroads between tradition and modernity. Rooted in the rich legacy of classical poets such as Alisher Navoi and modern writers like Abdulla Qodiriy, contemporary Uzbek literature continues to evolve in response to rapid social, cultural, and technological changes.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable revival of interest in national identity and language within the literary scene. Many young writers are exploring themes of self-discovery, cultural preservation, and the tension between globalization and tradition. The use of the Uzbek language in literature has expanded, with a growing number of poets and novelists choosing to write in their native tongue rather than in Russian, which dominated much of the Soviet era.

Digital media has also played a significant role in shaping the new literary landscape. Online platforms, blogs, and social media have provided young authors with the opportunity to share their works widely, bypassing traditional publishing barriers. This democratization of literature has led to a more diverse range of voices and perspectives being heard.

However, challenges remain. The publishing industry in Uzbekistan still faces financial and logistical difficulties, and there is a need for stronger international promotion of Uzbek literature. Many talented writers lack access to professional translation and global literary networks, which limits the global reach of their work.

Despite these challenges, the future of Uzbek literature looks promising. The new generation of writers is bold, creative, and deeply connected to both national heritage and global culture. Their works reflect the complexities of modern Uzbek society—its hopes, struggles, and dreams. With continued support for education, publishing, and translation, Uzbek literature is poised to gain wider recognition on the international stage.

Toshpo’latova Muxayyo Shokirjon qizi  Student of the faculty of Philology,Uzbekistan State university World Language 3rd Year

Poetry from Eddie Heaton

and this is what that feels like

it creeps into you backwards

with its bug eyes on your feet 

on a tight leash

fold and unfold 

as the woodland comes to life 

in surroundings

i wave she waving

must run

rice cake wars 

once factories made sure

still jolly reader

really bad got bored 

rather than wait

the creature stirred

who would have thought 

of virgin lands

with ringing crystals 

so debauched

who then is watching

this unprecedented growth

through a soft lens

reach for a cigarette 

vodka

this world

has become a dark world 

murdering catamites 

behind a white picket fence 

what is on offer 

we bring you plate

ransom note 

thought circuits bathed in flaming gravy

simple weird moments in a deep bass slot

fine dimly wondered march acoustics

sirloin beef broils there bypassing breath

this infernal whooping through my mucus

has transformed the cold machinery of war  

break out the psalms and trance-like simul-

ations before the god of winds caresses 

your last breath counting your sleeps in a 

sound-proofed chamber recycling waste 

for a jollier death my knees have turned 

against me and now they’re spreading so 

there’s little else left for me to do 

a little bit of ghastly’s gone astray go 

check for mail and mow the lawn and 

throw your groceries in the bin this must 

we see it flows through graduated forms 

a stasis tube containing light a play with 

something different new concerns 

providing stranger personal effects 

aesthetic coffins 

ripened love buds please 

dear uncle am i then the one 

am i a shade of energy 

pulsating in and out 

of love of time 

not out of hate of signs 

but talk of peace

that mimics all the body’s core

and fights what should have made a 

difference and yet appears in more and 

more degrading revelations force fed 

into my conscious mind it’s what is 

endlessly desired discover walks and 

roots in forestation that renew then 

take up huge amounts of time – the 

moments must so easily slip by be still

and concentrate as best you can with 

myra hindley on your knee a flash of 

bottled radishes pressed up against your 

spine that so inflames the rash that your 

humanity decries