Self Portrait with a Piano

The bench doesn’t know me anymore.

Not like it knows my sibling,

Or my mother,

Or my grandmother,

Or my grandfather.

Not like it used to know 

Me.

A poet sits down at a keyboard and tries to remember what it felt like when letters were in order 

from A to G.

Tries to remember a language of symbols she spent so long studying

And too long forgetting. 

Grandfather stares down at her and she wants to share anything with him other than a name. 

Music has been proven to help the forgetful remember

And she is forgetting how to look at something written

And make it her own instead of picking it apart. 

She is trying to forget how hard dedication was

So she can have just this one thing. 

She is trying to hold on to everything she ever was without fighting for it

And it is slipping away.

I sit down at the piano again and pretend I never left.

I will let it all return to me slowly.

Future Office – Opportunities for Youth Development

In today’s world, where science and technology are rapidly advancing, it is natural that young people strive to achieve success.

But an important question arises: how can we develop? Where should we begin?

Nowadays, artificial intelligence, technology, and social media have become an inseparable part of our lives. At the same time, many young people fall into laziness, lack of discipline, and become distracted by endless streams of information and videos. As a result, questions such as “How do we succeed? Where do we start?” concern not only me but also many younger people.

While searching for answers to these questions, a project called “Future Office” opened a new door in my life. When I learned about the project, I felt it was exactly the opportunity I needed, and I was accepted into its second season.

The Project and First Impressions

The project began online via a Telegram channel. On the very first day, 140 participants were accepted, divided into groups, and each was assigned a curator. I found myself on the 5th group’s list and eagerly joined the group chat. Without waiting for opportunities to come to me, I was one of the first to introduce myself and connect with everyone. To my delight, my teammates were active and open-hearted — we quickly bonded and built a strong network.

Our group was tasked with choosing a name, logo, and slogan. Everyone contributed ideas, and most importantly, we respected one another’s opinions. In the end, we named our group “Renaissance” and came up with a slogan together. These tasks helped us adapt quickly to new people and new environments.

Another task of the day was reading Camus’ “The Stranger.” Albert In the evening, we attended an online training by Shohjahon Urinov, a recipient of the Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur State Scholarship, on “Conducting Scientific Research and Applying for Prestigious Scholarships.”

We young people often don’t know where to start, what the right path is, or what documents we need. What are the stages of selection? What common mistakes do candidates make? These questions are very important. But who do we ask if we have no acquaintances or access to specialists, especially for youth like me living far from big cities?

This project gave us answers to all these questions and more. Since the project was online, everyone could participate from their region. The group chat allowed free communication and networking. Now, I have friends from different regions, and that is amazing. Being surrounded by like-minded peers helps us compete, learn from each other, and push one another toward our goals.

The best part was the online training from experts. First, they shared their knowledge with us, then answered all our questions. Now we know what to do and how to do it — we have taken one more step closer to our dreams.

Day Two – The Battle of Ideas

This day took place in the “ThinkLab” workshop. We were given a poem by a famous writer and debated it in the literary arena, defending our perspectives. The “ThinkLab 2” and “Quick Battle” sessions truly tested our intellect and wit — just as the saying goes, “The brave are tested in the arena.”

I’ve always loved critical thinking. I have a habit of analyzing things from different angles, giving reasoned judgments, and making thoughtful decisions. The ThinkLab was made for people like me! Fortunately, my teammates were also well-read, sharp-minded people. I learned so much from them, and they learned from me — like paying attention to details and seeing things from different perspectives. It was amazing to share knowledge with each other.

I’ve always had many friends, but exchanging deep ideas with them wasn’t easy — we often didn’t listen to one another. But with an audience united by one goal, everything became easier and full of new insights.

Day Three – Movie Time 

“Movie Time” wasn’t just about sitting on a couch with popcorn. It was about living the story with the characters and learning life lessons. The film was deeply emotional, showing how someone with physical challenges still achieved their dreams. It made us realize how many healthy people live in fear instead of pursuing their goals.

I had actually seen this film before. At first, I wondered, “Do I really need to watch it again? Won’t it be boring?” But then I remembered a phrase that often comes up in my life: “Repetition is the mother of true learning.” Surely, the organizers had chosen this film for a reason. Watching it again, I noticed details I hadn’t paid attention to before. Instead of just following the characters’ stories, I imagined what I would do if I were in their place.

After the film, we discussed it as a group. 140 people shared 140 different ideas and experiences — it felt magical, like unlocking another secret on my path toward my goals.

Later that evening, we had a seminar with Davron Ergashev, a multiple grant-winner, on “Create Your Own Opportunities: Winning Grants, Writing Motivation Letters and Preparing a CV.”

This training taught us essential skills like writing CVs, crafting motivation letters, and applying for grants — real keys to achieving our dreams. Everyone actively participated, asking questions without hesitation. By the end, we understood that everything is truly in our own hands.

Day Four – Quiz and Reading Time

The day began with the “Quiz for the Smart” — a movie quiz. Three rounds, fifteen questions, and 140 delegates competing in teams. Intellectual games always attract young people; they reveal the talents not only of bookworms and researchers but also of movie lovers.

After the quiz, we returned to “Reading Time” and analyzed “The Stranger” in a voice chat. Each participant shared their golden thoughts. This wasn’t just reading a book; it was about self-discovery and understanding life’s true purpose. Personally, I always empathize with the characters when I read — I cry and laugh with them. That’s why I actively participated and shared my experiences with the group, knowing it brought me closer to my goals.

Day Five – Plastic-Free Day

As part of the “Plastic-Free Day” campaign, each participant collected 20 pieces of plastic waste in their area. It may seem small, but it’s a crucial step toward protecting our planet.

At the end of the day, we attended an eco-training by Husan Tursunboev, the founder of “EkoNur.”

I’ve always enjoyed participating in eco-campaigns. I know my efforts alone can’t influence everyone, but when my younger siblings see me cleaning up, they do the same with their friends, who then influence their families — like a chain reaction. It feels amazing to contribute, even in a small way, to spreading ecological awareness. After all, how can we stand by and watch our beautiful planet be destroyed?

Conclusion

-During the “Future Office” project, I learned many valuable lessons:

-Don’t wait for opportunities — create them yourself.

-Personal development requires books, films, intellectual games, and practical actions.

-Most importantly, teamwork and exchanging ideas help you discover yourself.

If every young person made good use of such opportunities, they would not only develop themselves but also uplift their communities.

Mushtariybonu Abdurakhimova, 3rd-year undergraduate student at Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages

Active Volunteer | Recipient of the Uzbekistan Volunteers Association Badge of Honor | Creative Writer | Avid Reader | Public Speaker | Social, Environmental & Cultural Activist | Founder of the “Ibrat” Volunteer Group | Leader | Amateur Artist | Presenter

Born on March 26, 2006, in Dangʻara district of Fergana region, Uzbekistan, Mushtariybonu Abdurakhimova is an inspiring young leader actively engaged in education, creative initiatives, cultural and formal communication, public speaking, as well as social and environmental projects. She not only participates in various training sessions and video programs but also organizes and leads them herself.

Mushtariybonu completed her secondary education at School No. 2 in Dangʻara, where she developed a keen interest in literature, foreign languages, culture, critical thinking, and public speaking. Driven by these passions, she was admitted on a merit-based scholarship to the Faculty of Philology at Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages, where she is currently a third-year student.

From the moment she entered university, she became an active member of volunteer movements, contributing energetically to social and ecological projects. She successfully completed the DXM Volunteers program and earned the Badge of Honor from the Uzbekistan Volunteers Association. Earlier, her university team won first place in the collective reading competition, earning the title of “Most Well-Read Team.” She also served as the coordinator for the female students’ division within the Youth Union, organized numerous projects and competitions, spoke as a guest and trainer in various video programs, and successfully published her first scientific article.

In her spare time, Mushtariy enjoys reading, critical thinking, analyzing podcasts, intellectual videos, and films. She is an amateur artist, a skilled home cook, and has a knack for handicrafts. Her volunteer roles include guide volunteer, eco-volunteer, UNDP volunteer, “Istiqlolli Avlod” volunteer (working on human rights, children’s rights, and anti-violence programs for women), U-Report volunteer, participant of the “EcoAvlod” Season 2 project, and participant of the 4th season of the International Ecology and Tourism Congress.

She actively supports the elderly, provides assistance to lonely seniors and people with disabilities, and is known for her adaptability, sociability, and strong communication skills. Mushtariybonu loves engaging with people and is a quick learner, always striving to make a positive impact through social, environmental, and cultural initiatives.

Despite her young age, Mushtariybonu Abdurakhimova stands out as a talented, proactive, and socially responsible leader, contributing to meaningful change in her community and beyond.

I am the Truth

Quiet, I’m not listening 

Just because you say 

Does not mean it’s true…

You don’t get to define me! 

My existence is my definition!

And by definition: I am the truth!

But you don’t see me;

So YOU be quiet, 

I’m not listening!

Just because you say

Does not mean it’s true…

I am the legacy of what came BEFORE you!

From the DNA of the Subsaharan Africans

Where scientists traced the birth of us humans!

Remember that we are ALL 99.9% the same!

The diaspora from Africa to Asia to Europa

And eventually to North America and South America,

Australia and Antarctica…

We are ALL from the MOTHERLand of AFRICA!

THAT is truth!

I am that TRUTH! 

But you choose NOT to see me!

So you don’t get to define me based on a falsity!

Afro-Ancestral DNA already told you OUR story…

So Down with your Pseudo ideology of Supremacy!

I refuse to give you the soot! 

For in the words of Gordon Lightfoot:

“I will never be set free as long as I’m the ghost you can’t see…”

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student at Harvard University online. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” & other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at:  http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.–

People always think of food when they hear about fish. They imagine the splendor and magnificence of the ocean or that sweet film about a coming of age story in Finding Nemo. This is a story for the ages, concerning land development meeting natural resources and the bounty and abundance of Mother Nature.

The writing in this story is a masterful blend of the lyrical, fantastical and the dire realities of climate change and the extreme changes to the environment due to human interference when it concerns the delicate balance of the ecosystem of a lake. It is filled in the beginning with the wonderment of the animal world and even can be quite magical at times.

Life in a pond can be tricky to navigate at the best of times but life is good for the catfish Xi and his friend Joe in the tranquil waters of his lake. Xi turns a telescopic eye to a penetrating view of the environment. In the beginning there is a tolerant understanding of the outside world. Xi, a catfish, lives in the watery depths of a pond with his friend Joe.

This story stimulates interest around the subject matter of grief for a life lived without difficulties and challenges, and loss, how dangerous human intervention is when it comes to matters in the animal kingdom. It’s a sad story filled with the violence and brutality of man in the natural world.

Humanity soon comes to the lake and the lake soon becomes a tourist hotspot. A hospital for Covid-19 is built at the edge of the lake and a maritime museum. In the process, animal life is killed by pollutants and removed from the lake as well. Life as Xi knows it is coming to an end. There’s an imbalance that occurs at the lake as modern life creeps up upon the animals at the lake.

Xi begins traveling to Florida and hopes to make it his new home but undergoes a violent and jarring meeting with a ferocious and curious dog. Xi is rescued and taken care of by its owner. The owner, Fred, then travels to Florida to their lab where animals of all kinds undergo the horrific experiences of experimentation at the hands of human beings.

After every traumatic experience Xi undergoes he braces himself for what will happen to him next. The researchers and Fred have no qualms about eating hot fin soup in front of Xi. The Florida researchers win the Nobel Prize but it comes at a terrible cost. The fragility of plant life and the animal kingdom that co-exists interdependently in the lake is not taken into account and it is not understood by human life. Humanity fails to intervene to save nature and the environment.

They are eager to kill, maim, mutilate and destroy in the name of science, research and experimentation. The human beings in this story have no respect for the natural world. They think their research will lead them to getting acclaim, international prizes and that they are doing it for the glory of mankind. They think nothing of how valuable the life inside the lake is.

Here are a few quotes from this fascinating yet tragic story that reveals man’s greed and his need for power, control and total domination over the natural world.

“It was a lake – clear, serene and old as earth.”

“The lake was surrounded by big trees that attracted especially the migratory birds. In winter, it would become a meeting zone for numerous birds – from the bigger ones like geese, waders and storks to the tiny ones like warbles, wagtails and pipits.”

“Without protozoa, there was nothing left for zooplankton to eat; and while zooplankton couldn’t grow there, invertebrates had to starve and die. As there were no invertebrates, fishes were not required to make an effort to look for a prey.”

“Despite some caring masters having such concern for their finned subjects, Joe would feel rather offended that the catfish community was being disdained. No doubt, they could collect food from any level but were bottom feeders as well. Now, as the doctor suggested to the farmer to remain careful about throwing peas into the pond, the catfishes began to harbor a deep resentment against him.”

“Whether they ever reached Florida is another matter.”

“They saw objects resembling hooks containing delicious food, tied to lines coming down from above. All the fishes thought it to be a great feast offered by someone in the sky so they happily scrambled to swallow the hooks, only to get the hook points pierced into and anchored inside their mouths, gullets or gills.”

“Some investor decided to construct a 4-star hotel on the lake to attract even more tourists from home and abroad. For this purpose, pneumatic caissons were utilized, and an underground tunnel was built using the same technology. To implement the plans at minimum cost, the lake was drained, and the mud and silt thus collected were used to elevate the banks. An artificial island was made in the shape of a palm frond, upon which a multi-storied building was erected.”

“It had a height of five to six feet, two legs, two eyes, fingers and so on, but no tail, fins or gills. Since Xi had previously heard about the human physique from his dearest pal Joe, he could easily recognize that it must be a human.”

Here are a few words about the author.

Born in the village of Majkhuria in Bangladesh, Rehanul Hoque started by writing poems at an early age. Falling ‘upon the thorns of life,’ Rehanul takes refuge in the lap of nature. He also seeks pleasure in playing with words. He believes beauty is religion and literature can build a habitable earth by promoting harmony and truth together through the appreciation of beauty. He dreams of a future ruled only by love.

Rehanul’s works have appeared in different journals, magazines and anthologies like The Wagon Magazine, Scarlet Leaf Review, The Penwood Review, The Pangolin Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, The Piker Press, Cacti Fur, LUMMOX 9, Literary Yard, NAT SCAMMACCA CULTURAL MAGAZINE, AZAHAR REVISTA POETICA, Asian Signature, North Dakota Quarterly, The Cyclone will End, and Love in Summer.

A promotional video for “The Immigrant Catfish”:

This review was previously published on the website Modern Diplomacy on September 2, 2024.

Lonely Spider on a Lonely Island

Everyone is the only spider on a lonely island

some are big, some are small, and they are of different species

every spider throws its silk into the air

some of these silks are tangled together

forming a tiny silk bridge

sometimes two spiders crawl towards each other

touching each other’s slender legs

but most of the spider silks are scattered by the wind

in the end, all spiders have empty bellies

no longer able to spin silk

that web which could bring them food

is never built

no spider can reach another island

only the sea keeps surging endlessly

孤岛上孤独的蜘蛛

每个人都是孤岛上唯一一只蜘蛛

有大有小，品种不一

每个蜘蛛都向空中抛出蜘蛛丝

它们有的搭在一起，形成一条丝的小桥

有时两只蜘蛛就爬向彼此

互相碰碰纤细的腿

但大多数蜘蛛丝被风吹散

到最后，所有的蜘蛛都腹中空空

再也吐不出丝来

那张可以为他们带来食物的网

始终也建设不起来

没有一只蜘蛛能到别的岛上去

只有海水一直动荡不息

20280917

TEACHING SHAKESPEARE’S THE MERCHANT OF VENICE TO 7TH GRADER CLASSROOM FROM A COMMONWEALTH NATION 

Shakespeare Week Reading for Exam Style Essay Structured Q/A 

1. Afterward of watching the documentary of Patrick Stewart’s theatrical performance of Shylock’s monologue and reading the following extract adapted from the reading materials of BBC bitesize curriculum, then answer these exam-style structured brief and broad question: 

Shylock challenges prejudice

Solario and Solanio are worrying about Antonio’s ships amid rumours they have sunk in bad weather. When Shylock enters, they cruelly laugh at him about his missing daughter.

Shylock has heard the rumour about Antonio’s ships and reacts by saying that Antonio should “look to his bond”. Shylock says he looks forward to getting Antonio’s pound of flesh as revenge for Antonio’s cruel mistreatment over the years.

Shylock gives a powerful speech about the mistreatment of Jewish people, in which he asks why they should be treated differently from others. “Hath not a Jew eyes?” he asks, “If you prick us, do we not bleed?”.

When Solario and Solanio leave, Shylock is joined by his Jewish friend Tubal, who gives more detail about Jessica’s disappearance, and the valuables she has taken with her. Shylock shows a more emotional side of himself as he mourns the loss of a ring taken by Jessica – it was a gift from his late wife.

Patrick Stewart performing as Shylock with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2011

“Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?”

Questions:

1. Shylock recites one of the greatest monologues of Shakespearean drama. The monologue is a dramatic speech in which an actor in a play or a film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast programme.

Explain in a sentence the figure of speech used in this address. [2]

2. Examine the character sketch of Shylock with regards to the rhetorical significance of parallelism.                                                             [8]

b). In the view of the pictorial image of Venice being the setting of The Merchant of Venice, examine the juxtapositional impact of the theme, “romance in Belmont and trouble in Venice.”                                                                                                  [4]                                                                                                 

The Italian city of Venice in which Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is set

c) After watching the theatrical performance of the trial and court scene from ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and referencing the Folger Shakespeare Library extract, discuss in depth the trial of Antonio.                                                                      [6]

GRATIANO 

O Jew, an upright judge, a learnèd judge!

PORTIA, as Balthazar 

Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.

Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more

But just a pound of flesh. If thou tak’st more

Or less than a just pound, be it but so much

As makes it light or heavy in the substance

Or the division of the twentieth part

Of one poor scruple—nay, if the scale do turn

But in the estimation of a hair,

Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.

GRATIANO 

A second Daniel! A Daniel, Jew!

Now, infidel, I have you on the hip.

PORTIA, as Balthazar 

Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.

SHYLOCK 

Give me my principal and let me go.

BASSANIO 

I have it ready for thee. Here it is.

PORTIA, as Balthazar 

He hath refused it in the open court.

He shall have merely justice and his bond.

GRATIANO 

A Daniel still, say I! A second Daniel!—

I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word.            

In Shakespeare’s Week Programme Later Worked Solution Handouts Materials Reading Resources Bequeathed To The Future Shakespearean Scholars

Worked Solution To The Question No b) Character Sketch of Shakespeare’s Shylock with Rhetorical Significance of the Effect of Parallelism

• Shylock is a wolfish murderous tyrannous villain compared to a blood thirsty dog but also foils as the epitome of a dignified nobleman for his sole sufferance belonging to the member of a persecuted race. 
• As the antagonist of Shakespearean drama, ‘The Merchant of Venice’, Shylock dominated the 18th and 19th centuries as melodramatic figure of horror and terror. 
• Shylock’s protective self-defensive mechanism of ironical humour wrought himself with the iron laden armour of shield against the injustices of sufferance against Antonio’s cruelty and bitterness inflicted in the past.
• Shakespeare, however, was stuck in the fringes/margins/borderlines/gulf behind being a semite and anti-semite in Christian Elizabethan European England.
• Modernistic interpretation of the antagonist Shylock projects and portrays modern world economic forum and/or international monetary fund during the Great Depression of the 1930s, juxtaposing the anti-semitism of Hitler’s Nazi-German holocaust during the Great World War II (1939-45).

Worked Solution To The Question No c) Romance in Belmont and Trouble in Venice

• With the wooing of courtship the couple Bassanio and Portia exchanged rings and likewise, Nerissa and Gratiano too are engaged.
• Romance surfeits towards the pinnacle while they promise their wedding vow that they will never part with.
• However, a gloomy and melancholy picture is visualized with Solario’s depressing news aftermath of Lorenzo and Jessica’s gathering—–that Antonio’s vessels of shipments unfortunately drowned and sank.
• Meanwhile Portia persuades Bassanio to rescue Antonio with a ransom of double the 8000 ducats from the stony adversary and inhuman wretch—–Shylock in Venice.

  Worked Solution to the Question No d) The Court and Trial Scene

• The trial and the court scene is often the most quoteworthy textual references in Shakespearean studies because of the unexpected plots and twists. Here in Act 4 from ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ Shylock is the epitome of the stony adversary and inhuman wretch and the Jew as resonated in the echoes of the Duke.
• Shylock is adamant of his bond-forfeiture of Antonio’s pound of flesh. 
• However, the ‘Daniel is come to Judgement’, Portia in disguise of the counsellor Balthazar from Padua offers recompense of double the amount which the Jewish antagonist Shylock waves off and casts aside. 
• William Shakespeare allegorizes the trope of Judaism; whilst satirizing the dramatia personae of Shylock, contrasting traditional medieval Catholic Christian merchant as represented by the character of Antonio
• Ironically hypocrisy has been personified in the New Testament contemporizing literary trope of Judaism in the context of materialism, money-lending, legalism, the pound of flesh contract and/or bond, contrasting the authenticity of honesty, morality and integrity prevailing in Christian spirited souls.
• In the nick of time, Portia’s interruption salvages the life of the Christian spirited Antonio as result of the novel discovery that the bond elicits pound of flesh without shedding of blood.
• Antonio, thus thanks in ironical sarcasm of Shylock’s own words——– “A second Daniel! ——— I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me the word.”
• Finally Shylock forfeits Judaism and wealth of fortunes for the sake of compassion and mercy by being spiritually converted to Christianity. 

References

The following quizlet has been prepared in consultation with references:from Save My Exams, Revision World and Spark Notes 

Author     

Revisiting The Merchant of Venice for High School Classroom