Poetry from Duane Vorhees

WHEN I WAS UNWINTERING

you entered into my year,

the thaw that unsealed the snow,

that undamned the ice,

the thaw that paroled the seeds

FISHERS AT HOME

You’re

the sinker,

and you’re the bobber,

and I’m the other, the provider of the worm and the

wait

BALLAD OF THE KNYGHT

Itts no mair redd,

the daye is donne.

The sonne is sett,

the stars are cum.

The knyght doth ryde

strong yonge mare. Oh,

the broadswords wide,

the scabbards narrow.

The cocke grows bold

and lifts itts hedd.

The knyghts gone cold,

and darks turned redd.

A new sonnes born.

The quests now donne.

the knyght hees worn,

and mares undunne.

QING YU AN, LANTERN FESTIVAL

The east wind of a single night

brings flowers to a thousand trees,

brings star glow down the streets,

brings fragrant coursers and carved cabs.

Flutes coo like phoenixes,

Flashing jade lanterns turn, turn.

Fish and dragon lanterns dance.

In her gold and willow threads she

giggles then melts into the throng.

In vain I hunt, hunt for her

then a glimpse in dim lantern light.

–after Xin Qiji

PAINTINGS

Vivid crags though far.

Listen close! Stream’s calm.

Buds bloom but spring’s gone.

Birds ignore your lunch.

–after Wang Wei

Poetry from Md. Naeem Aziz

The Harlot of the East

In the hour when daylight bled into rust,

I saw a young girl dragged through the dust.

Her eyes were rain, her face full of pain,

As humanity drowned in greed and shame.

Her father was helpless with fever and debt,

Coins were borrowed as time was the fate.

Then poverty sharpened its merciless blade,

A daughter’s deal that made her a slave.

I purchased not a body that night,

But only time to stand beside her fight.

A crushing debt that broke a human life,

Turned streets and walls into chains of night.

Before the sun rose and shone,

My messenger returned with coins I owned.

The debt was paid and humanity won,

Freedom was the gift that left her reborn.

Poem’s Note: This poem is based on the story of a poor family, where a teenage girl takes a loan from a powerful man in order to save her ailing father. According to the agreement, she is unable to repay the debt on time, and as a result, she is forcibly taken and pushed into prostitution as a form of repayment. A witness to her suffering intervenes upon seeing her condition and, through financial assistance, helps to free her. The poem portrays a tragic yet hopeful depiction of poverty, exploitation, human compassion, and liberation.

About Poet: 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. (nknaeem14@gmail.com)

Essay from Timothee Bordenave

Some Ethical Considerations

In a world necessarily conceived as vast or even immense, it is important to consider for ourselves—the necessary center of our attention and perception, and the sole source of our intelligent reflection—that we can only observe a very small part of it, then focus our attention on even less, and logically, if we can even think intelligently about an even smaller portion…

In this vast world, of which we can only reflect on a necessarily much smaller part, and in which we almost necessarily perceive, as far as I know, as men or women, the presence around us of other men or women who, as far as we can tell, constitute representatives of our species—and even if we are not entirely certain of this, since, in Descartes’ words, they could be automata or even images, after all—and although it may be considered that we could never know any of them completely for certain, because we are ourselves and they are not, we can nevertheless, through interaction with them, whether personal or cultural, and through the use of language or what our behavior involves : be corresponding with these people, often when we observe them, and if not, researching or learning about them, at the very least through language and then through logical, and often intelligent, reflection on their own language and behavior.

This allows us, through what we call social norms, to understand each person or group of people who can be perceived, observed, and then reflected upon in order to interact with them and shape our lives around them. By observing this social norm, convention, or consensus of behavior accepted by everyone within a society, and often simply by applying what is legitimate—respectful of the law and perhaps of the tolerance observed around us—we can live a life that is as safe and less dangerous as possible. Even though a part of this danger or risk to our own life, existence, cannot yet be entirely evaded as coming to us from the social body, certainly, this is commonly accepted, the life which is by reason closest to the conventions observed between various people and for their social organization is undoubtedly the least risky and can be the best condition for us to be able to, by our activity, hope to establish ourselves and prosper through study and work, as long as we find satisfaction or pleasure in it – I believe.

So, morality, this notion of directing our intelligent will toward our behavior in society, is often—and it seems to me as well—designated as the best way to live intelligently in society for as much as possible. This is because if each person determines the modality of their actions according to overall criteria that resonate with them, either through an affinity with ideas, or with people who share them, or through a taste for a particular activity, or perhaps a particular sensation or feeling, then those who necessarily have a life that unfolds in time and is oriented in space will be better able to find coherence between their efforts and their undertakings or interests, and between these and the relevance of their ideas in what they conceive or hope for, or in what they believe. The result, I believe, will be—or so it is said—a better sense of both themselves and their accurate understanding of the world, as they see fit.

This morality—or, as I would personally prefer to call it, for my own reflection here, the somewhat more limited term “ethics”—is traditionally defined by philosophers, particularly the Greeks, as an attraction to and a will to work for the good, whether considered for oneself or for others, and vice versa.

The good is often defined by these same philosophers as encompassing four notions: beauty, goodness, utility, and pleasure. Here, I, Timothy, who subscribe to this definition of both morality or ethics and that of the good, must acknowledge that I am not so important as to claim to know nothing more about it or to be unable to define it better. And while moral or ethical good is certainly a commonly established concept, I cannot claim to already possess it, but only that I can express a desire to approach it.

When we act legitimately and observe the tolerance of customs and traditions in our pursuit of good, then I believe that our intellectual capacity and perhaps a little intelligence will suffice for the life we ​​lead in society to be, indeed, through reciprocity I believe, good, beautiful, pleasant, and useful… And this is something I believe I have often observed around me. But as for the opposite of good, which we call evil, composed of physical or intellectual suffering and a supposed form of satisfaction derived from this suffering, whether inflicted to oneself or another, it is important to reject it; this is, moreover, the unequivocal social norm. And if you feel drawn to moving away from it, I believe, and if, unfortunately, you should because it has happened find it better to recover from it and then move away from it, this seems rational and appropriate to me. Moreover, if evil, the opposite of good, were composed of ugliness, wickedness, uselessness, and unpleasantness, I personally cannot envision any appeal in it, nor do I understand how anyone could find any in it. As the proverb says, if we reject evil and distance ourselves from it, it will not harm us.

However, if we strive for good, I believe that logically, through the exercise of our will, we increasingly align ourselves with it. Similarly, through study and action, we can improve our abilities. More generally, I believe that wanting to do good, then observing how to undertake it, and considering its principles in order to reflect on how to implement them, ultimately determining one’s behavior, and then persevering in this, is already, up to that point, doing good! Thus, we will begin to live better.

I have only intended to express very common considerations here in order to visualize them in writing, and I am certainly no one else capable of explaining or teaching a complex concept or line of reasoning to another, as I possess neither a vast vocabulary nor the texts of the masters of the past. However, even for myself, I realize as I write these few lines that, much as I expressed earlier, attempting to define this seemingly simple question of ethics in writing has required an effort that, as long as I applied myself to it, has greatly helped me to better understand it and opens up new perspectives now, allowing me, I hope, to then conceive of new ideas.

Timothée
Paris, France 🇫🇷❤️🕊️
26.V.16. 

*****

Born in 1984 in Paris, France, Timothee Bordenave is a French author of fiction and essays, and a poet. He has published many books, about 25 to date, and his literary works have been translated in large parts to about 20 languages… He is also a visual artist, whose photographs and paintings have been shown in France and in various international locations.

He used to work directing libraries in Paris, and nowadays he is a full time creative.

Essay from Jasmina Qahramonjonova

One of the most prominent figures in Uzbek sports is Bahodir Jalolov, who competes in the heavyweight division of boxing. Jalolov’s accomplishments on the international stage are remarkable, not only for his formidable strength but also for his technical prowess, strategic acumen, and psychological resilience. Each match sees him, meticulously analyzing his opponents, formulating tailored strategies, and executing them with precision and confidence. His endurance is unparalleled and physically demanding contests.

Jalolov’s success transcends physical capability: it embodies mental fortitude. In high-pressure situations, he maintains composure, concentrates intensely, and make decisions that demonstrate strategic insight. His victories at prestigious competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, have solidified his reputation as a role model for Uzbek boxers and aspiring athletes worldwide. 

Equally remarkable is Abduqodir Husanov a central defender who has emerged as one of Uzbekistan’s most promising football talents. Husanov’s gameplay is characterized by rapid decision-making precise ball handling, tactical awareness, and seamless collaboration with teammates. His defensive skills, combined with a strong understanding of the game’s dynamics, have rendered him indispensable to both his club and national team. For young football enthusiasts, his journey underscores the necessity of combing physical aptitude with strategic thinking and adaptability.

In the realm of women’s sports, Diyora Keldiyorova stands out as a paragon of dedication and skill judo. Her achievements in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, reflect a synthesis of physical strength, technical mastery, and mental resilience. Keldiyorova’s victories have not only advanced the statues of Uzbek women in sports but have also provided in inspiration to countless young girls, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination. Her commitment illustrates the importance of integrating mental discipline with physical capability, highlighting the multifaceted nature of true athletic excellence.

Moreover, these athletes contribute significantly to the social and cultural identify of Uzbekistan. Their accomplishments foster national unity, instill pride, and motivate citizens, particularly the younger generation, to pursue their goals with diligence and integrity. The narratives of Jalolov, Husanov, Keldiyorova extend beyond the arena of sports: they serve as enduring examples of how talent, discipline, and resilience can transform personal ambition into collective inspiration.

In my conclusion, athletes embody the values of dedication, excellence, and national pride. Their achievements inspire young people like me to pursue knowledge, cultivate resilience and aspire to contribute positively, I aim to emulate their commitment, integrating the lessons of discipline, strategic thinking and perseverance into my own life. As Qahramonjonova Jasmina, I am motivated by these exemplary figures to engage in sports, uphold a healthy lifestyle and commit to purposeful and meaningful personal growth.

I am Jasmina Qahramonjonova, a citizen of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I currently reside in Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region. I have a strong interest in the field of law, and I am actively engaged in academic and research activities. I continuously develop my knowledge and skills by studying and analyzing various legal issues and writing scientific articles. In the future, I aim to study at the Faculty of Law of the University of Bonn and become a qualified international legal specialist. At present, the increasing level of legal violations in society in negatively affects legal awareness and values. Therefore, I aim to work in law enforcement bodies and contribute to ensuring the rule of law, protecting human rights and freedoms, and strengthening justice in community. In addition, I provide legal advice and guidance to support children’s personal development and help them build a strong future. Nowadays, I take part in several legal competitions in my country and have many awards and certificates.

Poetry from J.J. Campbell

——————————————————–

the better option

scribbling down madness

before the pain gets to

the point where death

is the better option

there’s that fine line

i have to walk each

day

hope or reality

both feel like a shit

sandwich most days

but if the beautiful

people choose hope

i know i better go

the other way

i was never allowed

in those reindeer

games

i’m not bitter

just lonely most

nights

——————————————————–

tired of the charade

roll over in bed

and both my hips

crack

i believe in irish

folklore that means

i’m going to hell

fifty years at it now

and my hands are

starting to get tired

of the charade

and the latest love

has apparently chosen

either another love or

it was better for her

to become a ghost

just my luck

scary movies don’t

do anything for me

my friend in germany

sent me a text saying

she loves me

i joked, it gets easier

the further you get

away it seems

she laughed and said

i hope you are used

to it

————————————————

a soundtrack

she was the

kind of woman

that came with

a soundtrack

soft skin

glistening

in the sun

i look like every

social distortion

song put into

motion

opposites

supposedly

attract

hopefully one day

she will actually

realize that

time isn’t on

either of our

sides

——————————————-

put me under

the color of

the multi-vitamin

i take now that

i’m fifty is the

same color as

the dick pills

the chinese try

to sell me every

day

kerouac

once said

details are

the essence

of life

of all the things

to remember

and how i’m

applying them

to this crazy

fucking world

now, i only get

good sleep when

they put me under

for a medical

procedure

the nurses are all

stunned when i’m

wide awake twenty

minutes later and

fully lucid

perhaps next time

i’ll bribe the fucker

for some stronger

shit

———————————————-

the next generation of crazy

i see the one in the mirror

and wonder why the fuck

does he believe he deserves

to be loved

i try to convince myself

that’s my father talking

even though he has been

dead for years

perhaps it’s all the dead

relatives disappointed

in me

or just maybe

the next generation of

crazy has finally arrived

three hours of sleep

rinse and repeat

swimming upstream in

a river of cloudy shit

what fifty really means

is you are on the verge

of all the elderly shit

you never wanted to

face

and that is why crazy

is never that far away

the only heirloom

this family has

J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is a three-time Best of the Net nominee and a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee. He has been widely published over the years, most recently at The Beatnik Cowboy, Yellow Mama, The Rye Whiskey Review, Night Owl Narrative and Misfit Magazine. His most recent book, to live your dreams, published by Whiskey City Press, is available at Amazon.com by going here: https://a.co/d/0eFsH7fe