a groaning mid-afternoon loss of Thou



beginning to suspect he's not the target audience



before expulsion
a bit 
of the Pater Noster



 'don't write that down...you're the only one 
who doesn't know it'
 


discovering another Jovian moon in the ice cream truck's jingle



when children are eating the wild grasses



scent of crushed sage off the bare shoulders of a stranger



above the skeevy gas-station urinal 
a tally-ho senryu



when the lime-green hummingbird thrummed in the air between us



before Les Mots
I could play Wipe Out
on the surface of the sun



Milarepa...
when she says
'rebuild over there'

Andrew Brindle (plain)

Christina Chin (italic)

after the sirens

slogans and marches

a breath, then a choice

decisions made without 

parliament consent 

voices echo

through algorithms and bots

truth grows silent

chips export ban 

see you at the new low

screens glow of wars

streamed in high definition

who can look away

they blame the victim 

and praise the aggressor 

borders close

yet the seasons change

and the river flows

stopping deportations

because they need workers

rich men dream of Mars

yet here, our hopes

burn in the dust

no funds for 

the homeless 

UZBEK GIRLS — THE MIRROR OF THE NATION

Ismoilova Gulmira

Master’s student at Termez State Pedagogical Institute

Uzbek girls are the heart of the people, the honor of the nation, and the delicate bridge between tradition and modernity. Since ancient times, they have held an important place in society through their modesty, patience, intelligence, and kindness. Looking back through history, the courage of Tomiris, the devotion of Barchinoy, and the wisdom and eloquence of Uvaysiy prove the immense strength and spirit of Uzbek women. Today’s Uzbek girls are the descendants of these great ancestors — they have found their place in science, art, sports, education, and every sphere of life.

For us, national identity is not merely about clothing or decoration; it is the dignity in the heart, the honesty in the conscience, and the devotion to language, people, and the honor of the Motherland. The Uzbek girl’s words reflect sincerity, her gaze — modesty, and her walk — upbringing and grace. While mastering modern sciences and digital technologies, she remains faithful to her national values, to the spirit of her ancestors, and to the lullabies of her mothers.

The girls of Surkhandarya are the vivid embodiment of this national identity. This land — from ancient Termez to the picturesque Boysun, from sunny Denov to pure Sherobod and proud Oltinsoy — is a cradle of kindness and resilience. The eyes of Surkhandarya’s daughters reflect pride, their hearts — honor, and their speech — sincerity. They are hardworking in life, loyal in family, and active in society. Their modesty is upbringing, their patience — strength, and their love — the most beautiful virtue of the nation.

Today’s Surkhandarya girls are as brave as Tomiris, as wise as Uvaysiy, and as devoted as Barchinoy. They take pride in mastering modern knowledge and finding their place in the digital age. Yet, their greatest treasure is preserving their identity and national spirit. For the heart of an Uzbek girl will always remain bound to her mother’s lullaby, her homeland, and her people.

The girls of Surkhandarya are the living continuation of history, the pride of the nation, and the bright promise of the future. In their eyes lies hope, in their hearts — love, and in their honor — the dignity of the entire Uzbek people. As the descendants of Barchinoy, Tomiris, and Uvaysiy, they remain today the pride of the nation and the ornament of our Motherland.

One by One Becomes One

‎

‎If I had not held your hand

‎Human life would have remained incomplete

‎The world would have remained in the shadows

‎The light of the moon would not have come to the earth

‎The grasshopper’s wings would not have written

‎My first love letter.

‎

‎If I had been alone

‎Poetry would not have been born in my heart

‎Spring would not have come to this heart

‎The cuckoo would not have called in the depths of my heart

‎The river of life would have lost all its waves

‎No one else would have awakened in my heart.

‎

‎If I didn’t keep my eyes on you,

‎Who would make flowers bloom in the desert?

‎The seven colors would remain unknown,

‎The flock of birds would lose their language,

‎The Himalayas would float in mute tears,

‎My poetry notebook would remain empty.

‎

‎If I had not met you,

‎The path of love would have been unknown.

‎Who would have gathered happiness under the canopy ?

‎Who would have achieved the melody on the harp of the mind?

‎The sea would have flown in all directions.

‎A pile of sighs would have accumulated in the vast void.

‎

‎I understand by holding your hand

‎One by one becomes one

‎Looking into your eyes I understand

‎Two by two becomes two.

“Every school is a foundation of the future”. Fifth Secondary School, located in  Andijan region Kurgantepa district, Khujatepa, is a good example of a foundation.

It was created in 1991. As time goes it is shaping knowledge capacity as well as soft skills and triggers new generations to step forward with great faith. Head teacher Ruzikhon Usmonokhunova’s devoted hard work  and the collaboration of school team enhance its success in making opportunities for students.

Improving students’ intellectual capability is a priority. Students take part in annual Subject Olympiads and get good results for the region. Taking into account the quality of education, the school also attaches great importance to physical education and sports. Sport days are held regularly, and various competitions are organized among students. Each student wears a sports uniform and actively participates in competitions. This forms a healthy spirit of movement, team spirit and the desire for victory in students.

Fifth state Specialized Secondary School does not give up its leadership in the implementation of innovative ideas and life. It is noteworthy that a system of self-government for all students has been established. A clear proof of this is the election process among students. The most active and talented students are selected and, using their own schools, ideas and votes, elect a school president. The president of the school and his or her team improve school life, creating a comfortable and productive environment for students. This system serves to improve responsibility, initiative and leadership qualities in students.

The school’s main focus is on two subjects; physics and mathematics, which allows students to gain knowledge at a high level. Students actively participate in various Science Olympiads, intellectual games and many programs, consolidating their knowledge.  This paves the way for creating a more comfortable and advanced educational environment for students. The new school building is equipped with modern technologies, opening up even wider opportunities for students to learn. Today, this school has become a center of science, sports and innovative ideas. The unity of teachers and students, selfless work and wise management of the leadership are taking the school to greater heights. We believe that every student who graduates from this school will grow up to be not only educated, but also spiritual, patriotic and a well-rounded person who can contribute to the future.

I am Mukhammadjonova Ugiloy.
I am a 9th grade student at this school. I am proud of my school!

How Wonderful

Morning awakens us

Life finds the meaning there

With the chirping birds outside

On the deep forest leaves of trees

On the colorful flying of butterflies

It’s a journey running at a stretch or stopping at some places

As I can see through the window of a train

The blooming earth

Spreading green paddy field velvet

The sight mixes at the horizon

With the morning shine

The world smiles with a charm

Overwhelming but not to be expressed in words

You are sitting before me

And raising a storm of the last days stories

Over a cup of tea

Nobody stands by me but someone whispers

I lost my senses

And kept on beholding the green paddy fields

What a wonder!

O life! You are running so deep in speed

The spreading beauty on the earth sometimes stops

Sometimes stops us in no reason

On the other hand, it seems a great reason behind there

Sometimes with you for a cup of tea

How wonderful the life led by!

Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

08 October, 2025.

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Writer of Destiny

Write something bright for those who experience a thousand deaths each day.

Write some smiles for those whose pillows are moist with tears each night.

Write a few pure moments of love for those who could never call anyone their own.

Write a few droplets of soothing dew on their lips.

Write true happiness in their pounding hearts.

Write the fulfillment of unrealized dreams in their eyes.

Write floral bracelets of joy for their soft hands.

Write swinging earrings of solace for their ears.

Even if you write nothing else, dear Lord,

You must write freedom for them

Daughters Are Also Sold

In the era of ignorance, it was heard

That they were often discarded.

Mothers would abandon them, and fathers would cast them away

To a distant place where deep wells would swallow their cries forever.

Even today, this tradition persists

In my country,

In remote, desolate regions,

Where the poison of poverty seeps through families.

When a little daughter dons a crimson dress,

She becomes invincible.

All her dreams remain tethered to her tiny feet,

But alas, her laughter never returns.

Her emotions are bartered away,

Her precious eyes lose their value,

And she herself is sold without a price.

I’m like a star

Give me the freedom to write my own story.

My tears show me the true way.

I am like a star that shines brightly to show the way.

I am like a bird that cannot be caged.

I am like the fire that burns inside all of us.

I am like the raindrop that write its own fate

I am the ray of sunshine that sets everything aglow.

I am like the fragrance that scents the entire world

**Pakistan’s Young Shining Star: Anila Bukhari – A Beacon of Intelligence and Inspiration**

**Biography of Anila Bukhari**

Anila Bukhari is a remarkable Pakistani visionary, humanitarian, and author whose brilliance and compassion have captured the world’s attention. Hailing from the esteemed Sunni Syed family of Naqvi Bukhari tribe in Punjab, Pakistan, she has emerged as a shining example of youth leadership and empowerment on the global stage.

From her early years, Anila demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and a passion for poetry, creativity, and service. Her innate kindness, coupled with her strong family values, fueled her lifelong mission to uplift women, children, and communities worldwide.

A celebrated children’s rights advocate and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards, Anila is also an accomplished author whose inspiring books—highlighting themes of women’s empowerment—are housed in the Library of Congress in the USA. Her influential writings include features on prominent figures like Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey, reflecting her international reach.

As the founder of **Women Leader Hub**, Anila has organized over a hundred seminars, events, and award ceremonies dedicated to empowering women and nurturing leadership. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her ventures, which promote women’s talents and personal stories, creating platforms for voices to be heard.

Notably, Anila won 1st position in Italy among 41 countries, showcasing her exceptional talent and international recognition. She is also the founder of **”No More Bride, Just Shine”**, an initiative celebrated annually with support from the European High Commissioner, advocating for women’s dignity and independence.

Her dedication extends beyond her country, collaborating with more than 250 students worldwide to foster cultural exchange and global understanding. Through partnerships and e-twinning programs, she promotes innovation, education, and unity across borders.

Anila actively mentors young leaders, conducts workshops on e-safety, graphic designing, poetry, and art, and empowers widows through candle-making courses—striving to build sustainable futures for marginalized communities.

Her unwavering commitment to service and education, coupled with her global influence, makes Anila Bukhari a true young shining star. Her inspiring journey continues to motivate countless individuals to dream big, serve selflessly, and lead with integrity, making her a beacon of hope and change for generations to come.