Poetry from J.J. Campbell

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

———————————————————————-

scribbling down some poems

sitting in the

waiting room

watching all

these people

come in and

decide to sit

on the other

side of the

waiting room

as i’m sitting

here scribbling

down some

poems

crazy wins

again

————————————————————-

better when drinking

she had eyes

of the deepest

blue

i was too poor

to even think

i could get a

chance with

something

so beautiful

she bought

me a drink

one morning

after work

we started to

talk and play

a little pool

she didn’t know

i play better

when drinking

apparently,

i was supposed

to let her win

——————————————————-

hello is a better choice

a steamy eyed

vixen says hello

my first instinct

is to ask how

much money

does this cost

i figure hello is

a better choice

of course, a few

days later and it

will be questions

of how much can

i spend on a gift

card or anything

for them

humans have this

constant ability

to do nothing

but disappoint

me

—————————————————————–

the better of me

i once asked burroughs

to cook me up a shot

fucker kept it

for himself

i used to dance naked

in the rain until time

got the better of me

she tasted like clove

cigarettes and trouble

i should have married

her on a tuesday

coltrane plays me

down from the ledge

yet, i can’t shake the

haunting feeling that

all good men fucking

jump

endless regret wrapped

inside a lover’s lament

yet another tootsie roll

i won’t get to lick

flirting with death

like a whore at last

call

i never thought

loneliness would

be the hill i’d die

on

—————————————————————-

the simmering rage

say hello to the pain

to each wrong step

that brings about

misery

say hello to fucking

traffic

bumper to bumper

for no fucking

reason at all

say hello to the anger

the simmering rage

and the final days

where you’ll be able

to control it

say hello to dysfunction

the guiding light

through every dark

day

J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is slowly wasting away in the suburbs. He’s been widely published over the years, most recently at The Rye Whiskey Review, Horror Sleaze Trash Quarterly, Mad Swirl, The Beatnik Cowboy and Disturb the Universe Magazine. He has a few copies of his book with Casey Renee Kiser, Altered States of The Unflinching Souls, for sale. You can find him most days on his mildly entertaining blog, evil delights.


Poetry from Otayeva Dinora

The Birds at the Destination

We know that the eagle is admired worldwide for its bravery, courage, and strong will. It teaches its young to fly with extreme rigor. When the time comes, it throws its offspring out of the nest to prevent them from lazily returning to the “warm home” again, even going so far as to destroy the nest. The eagle is a bird unafraid of flying in rainy weather; in fact, such conditions stir its spirit, and it can use the pressure of the air to its advantage. Additionally, it brings benefits to agriculture by preying on rodents.

These characteristics of the eagle can be compared to those of teachers. For it is through our parents and teachers that we come to know the world, understand it, and achieve something. When we first come to school, our dreams are as high as the sky. We dream of changing the world. We debate with our peers about which professions are valuable and which are not, aspiring to become doctors, businessmen, or lawyers. It is the teacher who instills in us the understanding that achieving these dreams requires education. They dedicate their time, patience, and life to teach us, showing us how to distinguish between right and wrong. They teach us that life is not smooth, and that to achieve something, we must make an effort. If we face failure, they encourage us to try again, reminding us that for us, everything is just beginning.

Just as no two fingers are alike, people also have different goals and characters in life. Some may attempt to mislead those on the right path out of jealousy or for monetary gain. The teacher, however, teaches their students how to rid society of such “parasites.”

To the teacher, a student is like their own child. If the student makes a mistake, the teacher helps to correct it. Where the student spends their time and with whom, what they do—these things matter to the teacher.

A teacher is someone who has spent years studying and researching, climbing to the peak of their own success. Now, they are a noble professional, striving to ensure their students reach that same destination.

Otayeva Dinora Urinboy qizi was born on May 31, 2004, in the Khorezm region. She is currently a 3rd-year student at Urgench State Pedagogical Institute. As a creative student, she has participated in several competitions, including the regional stage of the Zomin Seminar.

Poetry from Ilhomova Mohichehra

Sweet Dreams

I dream with sweet dreams,

If it doesn’t come to you, it’s okay.

Actually, that’s how real life is,

Of course, this is the only time to write a poem.

Dreams pull me to the depths,

It puts a lot of weight on my shoulders.

I like these sweetest thoughts,

On the contrary, a negative thought sinks into the heart.

I also live in dreams,

I will take another step towards happiness.

Sometimes I miss four

Sometimes I love the heart.

Ilhomova Mohichehra is an 8th grade student of Zarafshan city, Navoi region, school No. 9.

Poems from Duane Vorhees

CONFESSIONS

Everyone’s a politician

and everyone’s a journalist

and none of us has inhibitions.

But we all have our tales to twist.

I went to see my physician

in her office inside my tomb.

For practice, she writes out prescriptions

just to kill the kids in their wombs.

My preacher makes his confession

to the girls who are blonde and young.

He lays on his hands, as his mission,

and exhibits the gifts of his tongues.

Professors write dissertations

in order to hide all the facts.

And if you want real information,

–well, you needn’t even ask.

The lawyers brand themselves hired guns.

They court the richest criminals,

who transfer to them ill-gotten funds

to lie as far as laws allow.

I said I’d fill that thin co-ed

who said she hungered for new verse,  

though she still starves though I’m her poet

and she’s swallowed my Complete Works.

Was Jesus tacked to an easel

so Romans could paint him later?

They staged all the acts of the apostles

just to build wings for their theaters.

And everyone had truth to twist

till they convinced me I was cured.

But when I asked, my psychiatrist

sneered. “Why no, I’m not even bored!”

 METAMORPHOSIS

Brave audience caterpillar

agrees to enter

the stage magician’s magic box–

LOVE’S MEASURE

Although I know marble outlasts wax, longevity isn’t love’s measure,

and I know how to read with pleasure the artists, the crafters, and the hacks.

ZOMBIE VAMPIRE MUMMY….

One of us was born to die living,

one of us to live dying.

The one and the one

are one and the same.

And there’s one other other,

one for whom

living is dying is living–

each one is one and the same.

As we alternate these ones

we cling, otters, to each other,

to these disparate slices

of our pied kaleidoscopic whole.

LILLIAN THE OCEAN AND THE ISLE OF PALMS

Together in memory are soldered 
Lillian, the ocean, and the Isle of Palms, 
fused cubistically like frozen sculpture 
of motionless craft forever becalmed

            a picture of beach-clinging waters

hanging between the frames by their thumbs.

And Lillian the old skygod’s daughter

parades ashore on the Isle of Palms

followed by fleecy waves that slaughter

themselves as sacrifice for her balm,

            crashing on the beach at her immortal

feet like jap endless squadrons of bombs.

Sun-sand-sky welded to ageless water,

seagulls shackled to the gulf like charms,

ocean as static as a krater,

and sands as eternal as the psalms:

            my marble memories unaltered.

Lillian, the ocean, and the Isle of Palms.

Short story from Jim Meirose

Ah, okay –  But, anyway                            

Hey, great—good stuff, that drink, eh? I can see it in your face. I happened on this stuff while I was down here getting this place built. What do you think of this nice quiet spot here? I had them level this side yard, and plant in this garden space, as a little bonus just for us, while they were finishing up the relocation. I figured, why not throw some money this way? It’s a cool perk. This garden, that is. What do you think?

It’s okay. But—what drink is this?

Ah. How ‘bout you guess?

I can’t guess. It’s—its just good {b-b-b-b-but at that very moment this pleasure’s offset by past experience, that without any exceptions, anything popping up unexpectedly pleasant, that is so unexpectedly pleasant as to be a life-changing breakthrough, as this—drink outshines any prior drink, and God damn it to hell “I can never ever drink another”—only to find very soon after that the unpleasant aftertaste—which bubbles up completely repulsive—says you must never ever try that drink again, Daddy, yah yah no no it is in fact so terrible! Where is a sink? I need a sink! Or water fountain, or something to flush out this taste, and, thank God the evil of this drink? Food? Or whatever made itself known quickly—if not, we very well may have told others you must try  this—you will not be sorry eh will each of your friends try to tell five more friends each to try and them same so ah game being to cover the planet with fans of  this drink drinkers of this drink lovers of it consumers of it tell a friend tell a friend but then they start tell a friend tell a friend tell a friend to grab their stomachs change tell their a faces friend to tell what a the friend I don’t I thought wow this isn’t good it tastes horrible why the hell’d you recommend this to me, GIMI? Were you trying to kill me with this, Daddy, oh, of course you know I don’t mean that literally, GIMI—oh, no you don’t, Daddy? Really really, Daddy? If you really didn’t mean it why’d you do it to me, Daddy, do you always make a point of doing some set number of “meaningless things” GIMI, and if so, Daddy, does trying to poison us me or them with this gasblaster hot tongued overlycrapullar supercloyingone drink, GIMI? Oh, yah, DADDY, yeah that’s so, GIMI, really, really so, DADDY! You are not our friend afterwards are you oh you will be made very very sorry GIMI because each of your former friends will tell five more generating more former friends, DADDY, telling  five more and then five again five again friends the game being to cover the planet with maximum hatred for you yes you DADDY—maybe even a touch past the maximum for YOU–so there. Phew!}

Oh? Is that all you’ve got to say? That it’s good?

Yep. Why?

Oh, no reason. But anyway—as we were saying before

Jim Meirose’s short work is widely published, and his novels include “Sunday Dinner with Father Dwyer”(Optional Books), “Le Overgivers au Club de la Résurrection” (Mannequin Haus), “No and Maybe – Maybe and No”(Pski’s Porch), “Audio Bookies” (LJMcD Communications), “Et Tu” (C22 press), and “Game 5” (Soyos Books).  info: www.jimmeirose.com,  X id @jwmeirose

Essay from Hilola Abdullayeva

Central Asian teen girl headshot with dark hair, a brown coat, and gentle smile.

METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK WITH CITIZENS RELEASED FROM PLACES OF DEPRIVATION OF LIBERTY

ANNOTATION: This article discusses the methods necessary for the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who, having committed crimes and been deprived of liberty, need to return to a healthy life and be provided with employment opportunities.

KEYWORDS: Social life, rehabilitation, employment, non-governmental organizations, adaptation.

Currently, many people commit crimes due to a lack of knowledge or because they have lived in an unfavorable environment, unable to properly direct their views. This can cause significant harm not only to the present of Uzbekistan but also to its future. Social work with citizens released from places of deprivation of liberty is a crucial process. This process helps them readjust to society and return to social life. The main goals of this process are as follows:

Psychological support and counseling: Returning to society is often stressful and complicated for individuals who have been deprived of liberty. Therefore, it is important to provide psychological support, personal counseling, and services to assist them.

Social adaptation and support: After being released, individuals may face difficulties adjusting to a new life. Social workers help them reintegrate into social life, restore relationships with family and the community. Employment and economic independence are vital for individuals returning to society. In this regard, vocational training courses and job creation are key factors in helping them regain independence.

Rehabilitation and development of social skills: In this process, social workers teach individuals various social skills and help them actively participate in society.

Protection of rights: When individuals return to society, it is essential to ensure their legal rights are protected. This includes making sure they know their rights, receive legal assistance, and are accepted by society.

Social work with individuals released from places of deprivation of liberty creates the conditions necessary for their full reintegration into society and for leading a positive life. In this process, support from government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and society is crucial.

Guiding individuals released from prison toward the right path is important for the stability and security of society. The application of effective methods and support measures in this process helps individuals adjust to social life and prevents recidivism. Below are several methods and recommendations for guiding individuals released from prison onto the right path:

Rehabilitation programs: These programs focus on providing psychological assistance, vocational training, and the development of life skills.
   – In psychological assistance, working with qualified psychologists to address mental health issues or alleviate stress helps individuals understand themselves and make positive changes in their lives.
   – Supporting individuals released from prison to attend educational courses to acquire new professions.
   – Many government and non-governmental organizations provide opportunities for higher education or specialized secondary education.
   – Employment, i.e., helping organizations and rehabilitation centers provide job placement for individuals who have been deprived of liberty. Cooperation with local entrepreneurs and government agencies can create job opportunities.
   – Individuals who are active in society can offer advice and help those who have been released adapt to a new environment.

Hilola Abdullayeva was born on May 8, 2004, in house number 19, Do‘stlik neighborhood, Beruni district, Republic of Karakalpakstan.

She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at Urgench State University, specializing in “Social Work with Families and Children.”

Essay from Orzigul Sherova

Motivation is a reason or force that urges a person to start, continue or stop an action or process. This force influences human behavior, motivates him to do or learn something. It is true that this term is gaining popularity today, especially among young people. They look for motivation to start learning or doing something. Therefore, this topic is very common among today’s youth and has caused a lot of interest. 

Is motivation really that important? If it is important, why is it important?

The reason for this is simple. Motivation, often fueled by curiosity, drives us forward in life. Motivation is what motivates us to learn, improve, and set and achieve goals. As a result, motivated youth feel happier, more energized, and more confident in whatever they do. A lack of motivation can lead to unhappiness and risky behaviors such as substance abuse. A world without motivation and interests would be a world without progress, development or hopelessness. So today, motivation is really important for young people. It helps us to set goals and guide our actions and achieve our goals. We young people get this motivation from older people, teachers, scientists who have achieved various achievements and try to be like them.