In March we will have a presence at the Association of Writing Programs conference in L.A. which will include an offsite reading at Chevalier’s Books on Saturday, March 29th at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend!

So far the lineup for our reading includes Asha Dore, Douglas Cole, Scott Ferry, Linda Michel-Cassidy, Aimee Suzara, Reverie Fey, Ava Homa, Michelle Gonzalez, Terry Tierney, Anisa Rahim, Katrina Byrd, and Cindy Rinne.

Author Justin Hamm is hosting a FREE online literary event the weekend of AWP, known as StayWP. This will include author talks, informative panels, book launches and networking!

To register, please click here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe0jqgxfQn…/viewform…

Poet and essayist Abigail George, whom we’ve published many times, shares the fundraiser her book’s press has created for her. She’s seeking contributions for office supplies and resources to be able to serve as a speaker and advocate for others who have experienced trauma or deal with mental health issues.

Also, the Educational Bookshop in Jerusalem, a store that has the mission of peaceful dialogue and education, invites readers to donate new or gently used books (all genres) that have been meaningful to them, with a note enclosed for future readers about why the books were meaningful. (The books don’t have to be about peace or social justice or the Mideast, although they can be). Please send books here. US-based Interlink Publishing has also started a GoFundMe for the store.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou shares the Dylan Thomas poetry contest and her own poetry launched off to the Moon on the Artemis mission as part of a collection.

A new book, Poetry Mexico, China, Greece, a collection from contributors Jeannette Tiburcio Vasquez, Yongbo Ma, and Eva Petropoulou Lianou, has just been released.

Our April 1st issue will be crafted by co-editor Kahlil Crawford. He’s a poet, musician, and essayist who has put together previous issues on Latin Culture and Electronic Music.

********************************

This issue’s contributors seek balance and mental health by journeying into their pasts, the world’s pasts, into nature, into community, heritage, romantic, and family love. Others find Sanity Breaks in the subconscious, poetry, and art of various kinds.

Marjona Xushvaqtova celebrates the beauty and energy of spring. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumnova takes joy in the fact that winter is dissipating and warmth and growth are returning.

Anna Keiko’s paintings bring a bit of off-kilter color and joy to nature and childhood. Kylian Cubilla Gomez’s photography presents joyful, colorful images of childhood play.

Brian Barbeito conveys the comfort and nostalgia of a small town that seems forgotten by time. Nilufar Anvarova remembers a joyful morning listening to roosters and smelling basil in a country village. Sayani Mukherjee also finds joy in moss, trees, and thatched roof cottages in her piece “Earth’s Song.” In another piece, Brian Barbeito shares intuitions and reflections from a day of walking his dogs in the snow.

Shukurillayeva Lazzatoy translates a poem from Uzbek writer Alexander Faynberg lamenting human-caused environmental destruction and analyzes the literary elements present in much of Faynberg’s work.

Ibragimova Rushana discusses the effectiveness of online language learning programs. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva describes the science of translation and the contributions of Ozod Sharafiddinov to the field.

Shukurillayeva Lazzatoy translates a poem from Alexander Faynberg about always searching for a distant shore, as well as another Faynberg work about finding hope and strength to continue a long journey.

Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to the shared journey of finding meaning throughout one’s life. Grant Guy contributes musings on relationships and the passage of time as Daniel DeLucie reflects on how time marches relentlessly for us all.

Azamat Abdulatipov highlights how Uzbekistan pays national attention to youth issues through their student development programs. Gulnozaxon Xusanova reminds us to celebrate youthful achievements.

David Sapp draws upon classical art and music to trace a man’s journey towards maturity. Alan Catlin views art and landscapes through the eyes of a variety of well-known international artists. Norman J. Olson seeks out art old and new in London and Italy.

Joshua Martin evokes the subconscious behind-the-scenes consideration of thoughts and sensations in text that reads more like code than writing. Vernon Frazer clangs words together into a street corner symphony. Mark Young’s “geographies” intertwine color, shape, line, and form in unexpected ways. Peer Smits creates abstract images where thick lines and stamps color white canvases, and where posters blur and dance into rippled reflections.

Mark Murphy illuminates the power of art and imagination to inspire people to claim agency in a world where much seems historically inevitable. Jasmina Makhmasalayeva urges people to form their own self-concepts apart from societal pressure.

Jacques Fleury posits a “resume” for a Black street thug in a way that troubles and questions stereotypes. Isaac Aju presents a tale of a brave student who stands up to institutional disrespect.

Taylor Dibbert highlights the need to write creatively for joy, not for money. Ivan Pozzoni’s work speaks to the struggles of the creative artist in a society dampening creative urges and to romantic love between people not afraid to live fully embodied and present.

Alaina Hammond’s play dramatizes the struggle of a young woman choosing between a steady and comfortable family life and the promise of passionate love. Natalie Bisso’s poem illustrates a tender and intense romantic attraction. Yusufjonova O’gilkhan’s tender short story explores the love between a brother and sister.

Duane Vorhees takes a lexical flight of fancy through nature and romantic attraction. Isabel Gomez de Diego’s photos weave together nature, romantic and family love, and religious devotion. Eva Petropoulou Lianou honors mothers through a poem translated to Arabic by Egyptian poet Ahmed Farooq Baidoon. Musurmunova Gulshoda honors parents, friendship, country and heritage, and teachers. Eva Lianou Petropoulou celebrates friendship and mutual respect among women.

Poet Joseph C. Ogbonna references the love, comfort and solace he finds through his faith. French poet Timothee Bordenave speaks to his love for the faith-infused atmosphere of Paris.

Mesfakus Salahin speaks to a tender and poetic love, and also describes the joy of authentic love that does not match poetic expectations. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa also addresses true love as opposed to exploitation and how reaching maturity will help people figure out the difference, along with the need for universal compassion and empathy.

Kathleen Hellen highlights the fragility and tenuousness of the bonds that connect us. Bill Tope’s short story speculates on the many might-have-beens of a life cut tragically too short.

Mykyta Ryzhykh highlights the devastation of losing years of life to war and grief, blind but able to sense a tree losing leaves and a world that “still remembers the shape of our bodies.” Z.I. Mahmud analyzes the anti-war sentiment of Bertolt Brecht’s play Mother Courage and Her Children by showing how hardship and violence can change or flatten a person’s character and feelings. Umid Najjari’s poetry addresses war, love, loss, and grief.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou raises awareness of how domestic violence can start with control and possessiveness before physical assault. Mahbub Alam writes of his concern for his homeland of Bangladesh where women and girls face rape and assault. Linda S. Gunther’s short story deals with a woman recovering from and reclaiming her self-esteem after a breakup with a powerful man.

Orinbayeva Dildara reflects on how love has inspired her poetry, but not brought her happiness. Murodillayeva Mohinur expresses the rage and pain caused by betrayal. J.J. Campbell’s work captures ennui and frustration within lonely suburbs.

A fresh installment of Grzegorz Wroblewski’s poems, translated from Polish to English by Peter Burzynski, arrives with surreal and strangely humorous disillusionment about modern society and life in general. Naaman Al-Gharib laments how the modern intellect has descended into petty selfishness and solipsism rather than expansive thought.

Poet Pat Doyne speaks to history’s cycles repeating in the modern world and how easy it is to lose hard-won liberties. Daniel De Culla lampoons and apes Donald Trump in a satirical romp.

Sharipov Dilshod Bakhshullayevich outlines how to maintain one’s sanity and civility in a world that can test your patience. Maja Milojkovic relates how she’s mindfully and carefully maintaining her wisdom and kindness and how she urges the world to do the same, as Mirta Liliana Ramirez shares how she’s choosing the most uplifting and thoughtful memories from all of her past to help her move forward to the future.

We hope that Synchronized Chaos, while challenging your mind and heart and broadening your horizons, also serves as a kind of sanity break.

*********

Spring!

We waited for you when we were children,
We used to run down the hill,
Blue-green grass is the strangest corner,
Bud reminded you today.

We would build a tent out of grass,
What a hero Clouds was.
We made wreaths, beautiful,
Your beauty was also a gem.

When I think about it, I don't appreciate you. 
I will not laugh with you when the time comes.
I didn't become your daughter, Marjon, 
I don't feel you com, spring...

Spring...

Marjonabanu Khushvaktova was born on June 13, 2004 in Kokdala district of Kashkadarya region. Currently, she is a 2nd year student of Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute. Her creative works are in “Taloktepa tolei” , “Taloktepa tolei” selection book and “The smart youth of Uzbekistan”, “Raven Cage Zine”, “Page 3 News”, “Youth of Uzbekistan” “Yoshlar bayozi” and has been published in many international books, magazines, newspapers and anthologies, and is the owner of many diplomas and certificates.

Effectiveness of Online Language Learning Platforms

Ibragimova Rushana Bobomurod daughter

Shakhrisabz State Pedagogical Institute

4th stage student

Abstract

The rise of online language learning platforms has transformed traditional approaches to language acquisition by offering learners increased flexibility, accessibility, and a range of interactive resources. This paper examines the effectiveness of these platforms, highlighting their advantages, such as the ability to learn at one’s own pace, the use of gamification, and access to native speakers and authentic materials. However, challenges such as the lack of personalized feedback and potential issues with learner motivation and accountability are also discussed. The paper finds that while online language learning platforms can be highly effective for motivated and disciplined learners, they are most beneficial when used as a supplementary tool in a blended learning approach.

Introduction

The advent of the digital era has revolutionized various aspects of human life, and education is no exception. Online language learning platforms have emerged as popular tools for acquiring new languages. Platforms such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone have become popular due to their convenience, affordability, and innovative use of technology. These platforms offer learners flexibility, convenience, and access to a wide range of resources that are often not available in traditional classroom settings. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of online language learning platforms, focusing on their advantages, potential drawbacks, and overall impact on language acquisition.

Advantages of Online Language Learning Platforms

One of the primary benefits of online language learning platforms is their accessibility and flexibility. Unlike traditional classroom settings, online platforms allow learners to study at their own pace and according to their own schedules. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have full-time jobs, family responsibilities, or other commitments that prevent them from attending regular classes. Platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone provide learners with the opportunity to practice language skills anytime and anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. Moreover, online language learning platforms often employ interactive and engaging methods to teach languages. These platforms use a combination of text, audio, video, and interactive exercises to enhance the learning experience. For example, Duolingo incorporates gamification elements, such as points, levels, and challenges, to motivate users and keep them engaged. Studies have shown that incorporating interactive elements in learning can significantly enhance knowledge retention and comprehension (Zarzycka-Piskorz, 2016).[1] By offering varied and interactive content, online language learning platforms cater to different learning styles, making language acquisition more effective. Another significant advantage of online language learning platforms is the access to native speakers and authentic language materials. Many platforms offer features that allow learners to connect with native speakers for practice, either through text chat, voice calls, or video calls. Websites like iTalki and Tandem enable learners to find language exchange partners or tutors, providing an immersive experience that is crucial for developing speaking and listening skills. Additionally, online platforms often include real-world content, such as news articles, videos, and podcasts, allowing learners to engage with the language in authentic contexts.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their numerous advantages, online language learning platforms also have some limitations. One of the main challenges is the lack of personalized feedback. In traditional classroom settings, teachers can provide immediate, tailored feedback to students, which is essential for correcting mistakes and improving language skills. However, online platforms often rely on automated systems that may not always accurately assess nuanced language use or provide detailed explanations for errors. While some platforms do offer access to human tutors, these services often come at an additional cost, which may not be affordable for all learners. Another limitation of online language learning platforms is the potential for reduced accountability and motivation. Learning a language requires consistent practice and dedication, and some learners may struggle to maintain motivation without the structure and accountability provided by a classroom environment. The flexibility of online platforms, while advantageous, can also lead to procrastination and irregular study habits. Research has indicated that learners who lack self-discipline may find it challenging to progress in online learning environments (Kizilcec, Pérez-Sanagustín, & Maldonado, 2017).[2]

Evaluating Effectiveness

The effectiveness of online language learning platforms depends on several factors, including the learner’s goals, learning style, and level of self-discipline. Studies have shown that learners who are highly motivated and disciplined can achieve significant progress using online platforms. For example, a study conducted by Vesselinov and Grego (2012)[3][4] found that users of the Duolingo platform made substantial gains in their language skills, equivalent to a semester of university-level language study. However, the same study noted that dropout rates were high, suggesting that not all learners find online platforms suitable for their needs. It is also important to consider the role of online platforms as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional language learning methods. Many language educators advocate for a blended learning approach, combining online platforms with in-person classes or other interactive methods. This approach leverages the strengths of both online and offline learning environments, providing learners with a more comprehensive and effective language learning experience.

Conclusion

Online language learning platforms offer a flexible, accessible, and engaging way to learn languages, making them a valuable resource in the modern educational landscape. They provide learners with the opportunity to practice language skills at their convenience and offer a variety of interactive and authentic materials. However, these platforms also have limitations, including the lack of personalized feedback and potential challenges with motivation and accountability. The effectiveness of online language learning platforms ultimately depends on the individual learner’s goals, discipline, and commitment. As technology continues to evolve, these platforms will likely become even more sophisticated, providing enhanced features and more personalized learning experiences. For now, they serve as a powerful tool that, when used effectively, can significantly enhance language acquisition.

References

1.Kizilcec, R. F., Pérez-Sanagustín, M., & Maldonado, J. J. (2017). Self-regulated learning strategies predict learner behavior and goal attainment in Massive Open Online Courses. Computers & Education, 104, 18-33.

2.Vesselinov, R., & Grego, J. (2012). Duolingo Effectiveness Study. City University of New York.

3.Zarzycka-Piskorz, E. (2016). Kahoot it or not? Can games be motivating in learning grammar? Teaching English with Technology, 16(3), 17-36.

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[1] Zarzycka-Piskorz, E. (2016). Kahoot it or not? Can games be motivating in learning grammar? Teaching English with Technology, 16(3), 17-36.

[2] Kizilcec, R. F., Pérez-Sanagustín, M., & Maldonado, J. J. (2017). Self-regulated learning strategies predict learner behavior and goal attainment in Massive Open Online Courses. Computers & Education, 104, 18-33. 

[4] Vesselinov, R., & Grego, J. (2012). Duolingo Effectiveness Study. City University of New York.

Ibragimova Rushana Bobomurod’s daughter. She was born on September 5, 2004 in Mubarak District, Kashkadarya Region. She has several international certificates. She can communicate fluently in English and Turkish. Currently, she is a 4th-year student of Foreign Language and Literature at the Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute.

Village morning

Morning, the spring's canopy shutter,
The heart is ready for the feeling of purity.
Simple people, simple people,
The bag turns the black heart into colors.

I'm satisfied with sincere tunes today,
The sound of the swallow decorates my heart.
Walking in the city streets, I found out that
The value of such stones is like a stone.

By a rightful mistake of fate,
I'm in love with basil today.
That another place is like this,
Majnuntol, you didn't say, why didn't you say.

My magical world with moving walls,
The rooster crows in the early morning.
After all, you are honest, you are wonderful,
The rustling of trees, the dawn of my village!

Nilufar Anvarova, a student of the 8th grade of the creative school named after Erkin Vahidov, Margylan city.

The Royalties

He’s looking through

The 2024 tax form

That documents 

The royalties

From his first book

It’s been a while 

Since the book 

Was released 

And he hasn’t

Thought about sales

In a long time

He made less than

Ten bucks

Last year

Obviously he’s 

An underground favorite

Poised for posthumous fame.

Taylor Dibbert is a poet in Washington, DC. He’s author of, most recently, “Takoma.”

ALEXANDER ARKADYEVICH FEINBERG 

Tell me, driven by dreams and faith,

You’ll never turn back now, will you?

You’ve left your shore, far behind,

Seeking only a distant miracle?

Where to? Like a flame beyond reach,

Your dream will never be fulfilled.

A miracle is always a wave,

While the shore is ever the land.

Translation by Shukurilloyeva Lazzatoy

*****

Bref catéchisme

Tu trouves Dieu dans chaque pas,

Homme saint ! Et toi femme sainte,

Tu l’aimeras vie ou trépas,

Jeune ou vieille, Soeur ou enceinte…

Quant à moi, poète à Paris,

Je ferai de mon mieux pour Lui !

Ce sera peu, tant m’éblouit,

Son ange en mon coeur qui sourit…

Peu oui ! Mais déjà, quelques pages,

Pour dire qu’il faut être sage,

Comme nous l’enseignait Saint Paul…

Pour chanter ceux qui dignes, calmes,

Moururent pour Lui sous la palme,

Ou prirent sa croix à l’épaule…

*****

Jésus à Paris

Paris – qui est ma ville, aux mille et cent églises,

Abrita, on le sait, la nuée des oiseaux,

Elle accueillit aussi la foule des badauds,

Qui arpentent matin, soir, nuit, jour, ses rues grises.

J’y vécus ! Oui : enfant, j’y fus, j’y suis encore,

Aujourd’hui je ne sors plus tant, pour mieux prier,

Hier quatre cent coups, pour l’heure l’encrier,

Autrefois les amours… Cité : scène ou décor.

Il est une légende et je vais vous la dire :

Jésus habite ici, avenue des Lilas,

Oui, le Fils de Dieu même, a choisi d’être là.

Certains racontent l’avoir vu – ils lui parlèrent,

Des nuages du ciel, du soleil, du bel air…

Il est l’esprit des lieux, astres, zénith, nadir.

*****

Poème de reconnaissance

Oh quel bonheur ! Oh quel bonheur !

Viens à moi sans cesse, oh l’Amour !

Oui je l’ai dit je connus jour !

À ton flanc n’ai sèvre en mon coeur !

Les songes infinis s’ébrouent…

Dans l’eau lacs clairs, bleus lagons, mers !

Oh notre Père un rien te voile,

Bénis la Sainte et toi l’étoile !

Le verger, la Lune et la Terre…

Vous me fîtes page de cour,

Et d’heurs en ors votre prière,

Passion, infini mystère,

Me porte aux ailes de vos Anges…

Que j’adorerai pour mélange,

D’une vie donnée en retour,

Aux yeux bleu de nuit, mon secours,

Enfant, nourrisson en vos langes.

*****

Comme une Comptine

Les pastels de bleus, d’ors, habilleront le Ciel,

Et partout sonne le refrain – bourdon de miel…

La musique en tout sens étalée là, éclate,

Et règne sans dessus – dessous – mer disparate.

Je me promène allant dépenser du tabac,

Et d’un air sobre, lent,

Marche au pas de combat…

L’homme est un animal ! Mystère, Loi des Fables.

Il vivra vieux, pensif et assis à sa table,

S’il connaît ce poncif :

« Au carrefour un arbre,

C’est ainsi !

Un Platane !

Je ne suis pas de marbre…

Voici,

Braire mon âne. »

*****

Esther

Ou : Petit Pied d’argent

Elle était là, mais oui Venise,

Venise est elle sans ses filles ?

Par le vieux Ghetto et l’eglise,

Oui juste là, Judeira,

Le trois. Et je la vis au bras,

D’une fontaine où brille l’eau,

Versée par un enfant… Halo !

Quand je lui dis « Quel est ton nom ? »

Elle répondit Esthera.

« – Quel est ton nom doux – étranger ? »

Me demanda t elle à son tour.

« Je suis Timothée, dis – je, et j’ai,

Tout juste là trouvé l’amour ! »

Puis la tendre, si belle au jour…

– Vous dirais je ici ? Et puis, non,

Poète n’est il roi du coeur,

Sans raison ?

           – Il aime à mesure.

*****

L’amandier

A l’ombre d’un amandier,

En sifflotant, je sillonne,

Un champ ou la vie foisonne,

En vrai, joyeux jardinier.

Je n’avance pas, je donne,

Tout à ce cher amandier,

Le chant d’un paradisier,

Prouve que la terre est bonne.

Ma tête sous son calot,

J’aperçois au loin les bois,

Parfois je m’arrête et bois,

La fumée de mon brûlot.

Puis au soir, viens mon repos,

Je fume une herbe sauvage,

Et serein, je dévisage,

La lune, à tout cœur appeau…

*****

Jeunesse

Mon sablier de sang s’est vidé de l’aurore,

Oh ciel! Tant pis pour ça, tant pis pour les fusées,

A présent l’aube blanche ouvre ses ailes d’or,

Puis le lapis cinglant ceint mon front irisé…

Une charrette d’os à jeter dans l’oubli,

Mare sacrée des morts, le jour me reste à faire,

Les rêves trop lointains s’effacent dans mon lit,

Quand le matin sévère aiguise son mystère.

J’aperçois que plus loin : les nues sont entrouvertes,

Et repense à la Nuit ! Qui vient d’être passée…

En songeant que nos vies, quoique d’aucuns dissertent,

Ne sont que gouttes d’eau d’un océan lacées.

*****

Zut

Deux vieillards promenant leurs odeurs liminaires,

Dans le bus. Lui qui branle un chef un peu rassis,

Elle roide, quoique tremblant un peu aussi,

Tous deux fatigués, gris, d’une couleur de pierre.

Au milieu des cahots, ils sont là face à face,

Pensifs, presque rêveurs, une moue sur les lèvres,

Et pris au piège de leur destin qui s’achève,

Semblent consentir aux caprices de l’espace.

Puis, ils se lèvent, sortent dans la rue de Rennes,

Qu’ils arpenteront, quêtant pour leur quotidien

Cette vie échappée des cœurs que la mort gène,

Vers leur appartement aux meubles trop anciens.

****

Timothée Bordenave

Château d’Assat. France.

Pour European Poetry. 2024.XII.

A Brief Catechism

You find God in every step,
Holy man! And you, holy woman,
You will love Him life or death,
Young or old, Sister or pregnant…

As for me, a poet in Paris,
I will do my best for Him!
It will be little, so dazzles me,
His angel in my heart who smiles…

Little, yes! But already, a few pages,
To say that one must be wise,
As Saint Paul taught us…

To sing of those who, worthy, calm,
Died for Him under the palm,
Or took His cross on their shoulders…

---

Jesus in Paris

Paris – which is my city, with its thousand and one hundred churches,
Sheltered, as we know, the flock of birds,
It also welcomed the crowd of onlookers,
Who walk its gray streets morning, evening, night, and day.

I lived there! Yes: as a child, I was there, I am still there,
Today I don’t go out so much, the better to pray,
Yesterday four hundred blows, now the inkwell,
Formerly love affairs… City: scene or setting.

There is a legend, and I’ll tell it to you:
Jesus lives here, on Avenue des Lilas,
Yes, the Son of God himself chose to be here.

Some say they saw him – they spoke to him,
Of the clouds in the sky, of the sun, of the beautiful air…
He is the spirit of the place, stars, zenith, nadir.

---

Poem of Gratitude

Oh what happiness! Oh what happiness!
Come to me constantly, oh Love!
Yes, I said it, I knew day!
At your side, I am not weaned in my heart!

Infinite dreams shake…
In the water, clear lakes, blue lagoons, seas!
Oh our Father, a trifle veils you,
Bless the Saint and you, the star! The orchard, the Moon, and the Earth…

You made me a page of court,
And your prayer, with golden happiness,
Passion, infinite mystery,
Carries me on the wings of your Angels…

Whom I will adore as a mixture,
Of a life given in return,
With the blue eyes of night, my help,
Child, infant in your swaddling clothes.

---

Like a Nursery Rhyme

Pastels of blue, of gold, will dress the Sky,
And everywhere rings the refrain – honey drone…

The music spread out there, bursts forth,
And reigns upside down – a disparate sea.

I walk, going to spend some tobacco,
And with a sober, slow air,
March at the marching pace…

Man is an animal! Mystery, Law of Fables. He will live to be old, thoughtful, and seated at his table,

If he knows this cliché:

“At the crossroads, a tree,
That’s it!
A plane tree!

I am not made of marble…
Here,
Braying my donkey.”

---

Esther
Or: Little Silver Foot

She was there, yes, Venice,
Is Venice without her daughters?
By the old Ghetto and the church,
Yes, right there, Judeira,

The third. And I saw her on the arm,
Of a fountain where the water sparkles,
Poured by a child… Halo!

When I asked her, “What is your name?”

She answered Esthera.
“- What is your sweet name – stranger?”
She asked me in turn. “I am Timothy,” I say, “and I have

found love right here!”
Then tenderness, so beautiful in the daylight…

• Would I tell you here? And then, no,
  Isn’t a poet king of the heart,

Without reason?

• He loves as he goes.

---

The Almond Tree

In the shade of an almond tree,
Whistling, I wander,
A field teeming with life,
Like a true joyful gardener.

I don’t move forward, I give,
Everything to this dear almond tree,
The song of a bird of paradise,
Proves that the earth is good.

My head under its cap,
I glimpse the woods in the distance,
Sometimes I stop and drink,
The smoke from my firebrand.

Then in the evening, my rest comes,
I smoke a wild herb,
And serene, I gaze,
The moon, calling to every heart…

---

Youth

My hourglass of blood has emptied itself of dawn,
Oh heavens! So much for that, so much for the rockets,
Now the white dawn opens its golden wings,
Then the stinging lapis lazuli encircles my iridescent brow…

A cartload of bones to throw into oblivion,
Sacred pool of the dead, the day remains for me to make,
Dreams too distant fade into my bed,
When the severe morning sharpens its mystery.

I perceive that further away: the clouds are half-open,
And I think of the Night again! Which has just passed…
Thinking that our lives, though some may argue,
Are but drops of water in a laced ocean.

---

Damn

Two old men strolling their liminal scents,
On the bus. He’s jerking off a somewhat stale head,
She’s stiff, though also trembling a little,
Both tired, gray, the color of stone.

In the midst of the bumps, they stand there face to face,
Pensive, almost dreamy, a pout on their lips,
And trapped by their destiny which is coming to an end,
Seem to consent to the whims of space.

Then, they get up, go out into the street of Rennes,
Which they pace

Timothee Bordenave is a French author of fiction, poet and essayist. He lives in Paris, when not abroad or in a countryside retreat. He has published many books, and thousands of blog posts, either in French or in English.

He is also an artist, as a photographer and a painter, and is currently represented by different galleries and websites.

Timothee was born in Paris in 1984, then studied literature at high school, then law, then he became a librarian. Today he is devoted to art, and to his writings.