THE ACCUSED IS ACQUITTED

A lost morning draws coins in the hamlet of justice

Dreams burn fruitlessly on the bright mountains

The sun goes down in tired steps. In a whimsical deception

I draw words at the mirror of time, in the nest of creation.

A black odour in the sky of time, the shirt of state

Echoed with peaceful revolt, the fragrant pen

Comes running, I’m speaking the truth, my lord,

The accused is present here, take him away to the jail.

Birds fly as far as the illusory house of art

Flowers bloom in the garden at the yard all day long

Days after, at the end of the month, the accused appears

The tree-shade, the window of light burst in laughter.

The spring is over after crossing the six seasons

There is no sin, the notebook is blank, and the accused is acquitted.

Translated by Jyotirmoy Nandy

Niloy Rafiq was born in 6 August 1983 Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Niloy Rafiq has been writing in the literary pages of local daily newspapers since his school days. Later, his poems were published in national and international literary magazines including various famous little magazines. So far, his notable poems have been translated into more than twenty foreign languages. His English poetry book ‘Sun Leaf” has already been published under ‘Stockholm Project 2033 Global Leader’ by Amazon. His second English translated poetry book ‘An Incomplete Kiss” has published in 2024 from Amazon. The number of his poetry books written in Bengali languages are six, respectively 1. I, the swan, float in pure sadness, 2. Thirst’s eternity, 3. Salty man’s face, 4. Unknown fire, 5. Adinath in eyes, 6. Wax prayer bowed in a clay body. His poetry has a magical, edgy feeling. Poet Niloy Rafiq is like a magician in the extraordinary weaving of words and rhythms.

Facebook: niloyrafiq

Relatives

You are all here, our house is peaceful,

The house, our wedding is peaceful.

Our hearts, our souls are at peace,

Be well, relatives.

Birthday, wedding, party,

All for you.

The open gate,

The doors are for you.

Stay healthy, our happiness,

Playing, laughing, and having fun.

We wish you luck,

Come on, relatives!

Maftuna Rustamova is a ninth grade student at secondary school #30, Bukhara region, Jondor District.

Poem by Eva Lianou Petropoulou

Song, music, orchestration and production by Dino Kalyvas

Lyrics

«I found you

Because you were hurt

I cherished you

As I felt your pain

I love you and

I cover your wounds

With silver

So, you will shine

You will shine

You will never break again

I will create a bridge for all the hurt people

I will build golden pillars

Nobody will hurt again children or women

As the diamonds

They will shine

We will Rise

And we will be reborn in a future peaceful world»

“The song “Golden bridges” is my next musical step. It is not a large musical play or cycle of songs or arias with many musical innovations, effects, vocal parts, etc., but just a song with a few jazz colors where the piano dominates. However, although just a song, I consider it very important since this is an “anthem” for people with disabilities and special needs. It is also dedicated to all para-athletes.

Reading carefully the poem of dear Mrs. Eva Lianou Petropoulou, you could see the love and warmth that our society must provide for people with disabilities and special needs, and for every other suffering fellow human being. As units of our society, if we want to claim a better world, more justly and more beautiful, if we want to be included in the “Kingdom of Heaven”, we must walk the path of Love and giving to our fellow man. We must carry on our backs the misery and pain of the other people beside us. Also, let’s try with all our strength to have no more wars!”

—————————————————————

ΧΡΥΣΕΣ ΓΕΦΥΡΕΣ – ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ

Αγγλικό ποίημα της Εύας Λιανού Πετροπούλου

Ερμηνεία, μουσική, ενορχήστρωση και παραγωγή : Ντίνος Καλύβας

(Στίχοι σε ελεύθερη μετάφραση στα Ελληνικά από τον συνθέτη)

«Σε βρήκα μιας και ήσουν πληγωμένος

Σε φρόντισα μιας κι αισθανόμουν τον πόνο σου

Σε αγαπώ και καλύπτω τις πληγές σου με ασήμι

Έτσι λοιπόν θα λάμψεις

Ναι θα λάμψεις και δεν θα γίνεις κομμάτια ποτέ ξανά

Θα φτιάξω μια χρυσή γέφυρα για κάθε πληγωμένο άνθρωπο

Θα την χτίσω με χρυσά μεγάλα τούβλα

Δεν πρόκειται να πληγωθεί ξανά ποτέ παιδί ή γυναίκα

Κι όπως τα διαμάντια

Όλα θα λάμψουν

Κι εμείς αναστημένοι (πνευματικά και ψυχικά)

Θα ξαναγεννηθούμε σε έναν μελλοντικό ειρηνικό κόσμο»

Οι «χρυσές γέφυρες» αποτελούν το επόμενο μουσικό βήμα μου. Δεν είναι κάποιο ολοκληρωμένο μεγάλο έργο ή κύκλος τραγουδιών ή αριών με πολλές μουσικές καινοτομίες, εφέ, φωνητικά μέρη κλπ, παρά ένα λιτό τραγούδι με λίγες Τζαζ αποχρώσεις όπου κυριαρχεί το πιάνο. Ωστόσο αν και μικρό, το θεωρώ πολύ σημαντικό μιας και το παρόν αποτελεί «ύμνο» για τα άτομα με αναπηρίες και ειδικές ανάγκες.

 Είναι επίσης αφιερωμένο στους αθλητές με αναπηρίες.

Πίσω από τους λιγοστούς στίχους της αγαπητής κυρίας Εύας Λιανού Πετροπούλου, αναδύεται η αγάπη και η θαλπωρή που πρέπει να παρέχει η κοινωνία μας σε αυτά τα άτομα αλλά κι όλους τους πονεμένους συνανθρώπους μας. 

Αλλά κι εμείς ως μονάδες της κοινωνίας μας, αν θέλουμε να διεκδικήσουμε έναν καλύτερο κόσμο, δικαιότερο κι ομορφότερο, αν θέλουμε να διεκδικήσουμε την «Βασιλεία των Ουρανών» , πρέπει να βαδίσουμε το δρόμο της Αγάπης και της προσφοράς προς τον συνάνθρωπο. Πρέπει να συμμεριστούμε τη δυστυχία και τον πόνο του διπλανού μας . 

Επίσης, να προσπαθήσουμε με όλες μας τις δυνάμεις να μην υπάρχουν πια πόλεμοι!

Μετά Τιμής

Ντίνος Καλύβας 

Just Another Familiar Face

 His face was all over

 the TV news and the front

 page of all the local

 papers.  It was a familiar

 face to me and the answer

 to one of those trivia quizzes

 you never expect to get

 the answer to: What the hell

 were all those cops doing

 in Richute’s used car lot?

 What they were doing was

 putting the arm on this clown

 I’d been dusting off in

 a series of bar jobs for

 years.  I knew, he was no

 good and not too bright ,but

 killing your sister in law

 and leaving her wired to the

 front door handle with a coat

 hanger and leaving her on

 the block God forgot was

 beyond stupidity.  Being dead

 was bad enough but leaving her

 on Elberon Place, a block from

 where he lived, was not too bright,

 especially with a record

 like the one he had.

 When the captain said,

 “Round up all the usual

 suspects,” they didn’t have

 far to look.  

The Invisible Men

 They knock on the old guy’s

 door with a baseball bat.

 It’s like A Clockwork Orange

 in black and white.

 “Open up, like right now

 or there’s going to be big

 trouble.”

 “Go away, you’ve got no

 business being here.”

 But they do, kicking down

 the door, knocking him

 senseless and rifling all

 the cabinets and drawers,

 withdrawing his life savings.

 On the way out they kick him

 and extra few times in the

 head leaving him senseless

 in a puddle of blood.

 Across the street, in the bar

 with no name, they buy rounds

 of drinks for their friends

 and hangers on, drowning out

 the sirens with classic juke box

 rock and roll. Tipping the bartender

 twenty big ones, they hit

 the bricks around two.

 Later, when questioned, no one

 in the bar remembers seeing

 anyone matching their descriptions.

“We need to talk.”

She said, in a way that meant:

she spoke and I listened.  

I thought about how this one-sided

conversation was about to go,

wondered which transgression

she was going to harp on.  

There were so many to choose from.

As she began to speak,

the opening scenes from the black

and white move, “Night and the City”

began on the muted TV next to

where she was standing.

I watched Richard Widmark

running for his life; long shadows on

concrete and cobblestones.

Soon he’d be trying to steal a good

woman’s money but she was wise to

his ways. Hid her money elsewhere

even if lied and stole from her,

she loved him anyway.  Who could

take advantage of someone as

beautiful and as kind as Gene Tierney?

Richard Widmark could.

I wasn’t the kind of guy someone loved

that much.  

“You’re not listening to me, are you?”

“No.” I admitted.

I watched Widmark rifling through

Gene’s pocketbook. It would all be downhill

from here.

Blood Thirsty Cannibals

The cabbie who was going to

kill himself, dropped me where

Madison meets Lark downtown.

Later, I would think, he must have

been marking his declining years

by how may teeth had fallen out

and it was almost time to die.  

There were a few stories going

around about how he did it but none

of them involved an open coffin so

we’ll never ever know for sure.

I had a reading on Central upstairs,

at the Boulevard bookstore after a slow day

working the bar on a New Year’s Eve.

There was a major weird vibe just being

where I was, nearly seventy degrees outside,

in work clothes, sober and seriously

needing a drink. Didn’t matter much

where, I thought, picked a bar and

wandered in.  The mauve neon should

have been a dead giveaway but I wasn’t

thinking atmosphere, what I was thinking

was Johnny Walker Red now. Called for

a Rob Roy and stared into the face of the most

clueless person who had ever stood behind

a bar. Then I saw all of his lip licking friends

in the backbar mirror staring at me as

if I were chum on the waters. Jesus Harry

Christ, I thought, tried again.

“You’ve heard of a Manhattan, right?

Think Scotch instead of Rye, and pretend

you are making one of those with a whisper

of Dry Vermouth and lemon twist.

You know how to do a lemon twist, right?

If not, I’ll show you. Make it one of those

mini-shakers and pour it over ice and no on

gets hurt, okay? There might even be a nice

tip in it for you.”

Drinking was my avocation in those days

and I took my work seriously sort of like

a blood thirsty cannibal before the main meal.

Thought to myself, that wasn’t a half-bad

title for a poem. I had over an hour to kill

before the reading.  I could get a lot of work

done in an hour. All I needed now was

to keep the piranha at bay, some bar napkins

to write on and a pen.

The Man on the Windshield

Jumps off thruway

overpass, lands on car

doing 70, maybe, 80 m.p.h.,

goes airborne, lands on

windshield of second car,

rebounds off the soft

shoulder/verge. Lives.

Says, the whole experience

gave no meaning to phrase,

“Bad acid flashback.”

Says, it was his third suicide

attempt.  Failed. Sues everyone

involved. Loses. Walks with

a limp now. Looks like shit.  

Anatomy of Broken Lines

Each time I look at the headlines, I see thick dark clouds condensing into a pool of vague bloody rain, with each drop piercing deeply into this world’s melanin. Altering its colours from green to purple, boring into the deep depths ocean of this spaceship.

‎This ocean I say, isn’t just a billion water drops, it is not even a thousand sea fully converged to form the Atlantic this accursed world has ever seen. It is the waters of original sin sinking into the skin of dry land.

‎This is to say our bodies has become a vessel of transmutation, decaying into a Tabernacle caving original sin, because grief lives in us. It becomes a synonymous hyperbole of who we are.

 A pillar of broken stones shattered due to Earth’s rotation, colliding like a planet that chewed itself due its body has indeed become a mechanism of digestion. Breaking flames down into minute pieces of hatred.

‎‎This world has become a filament of dead songs, composed by the torn face of wind. Floating in fireballs that even the numbers in this world lacks the vocabulary to number.

‎‎She carries this world’s flesh, she nurtures them in her womb while she patiently awaits the rise of a bloody moon.

‎‎Only then can we know the true definition of pain, because metaphors itself cannot define it, poetry can only feel it using crooked lines.

‎But the truth can only be seen by telescoping into torture knowing its colour, its genetic material. Untill then this is reality in a fantasy of a broken world.

‎

‎Anthony Chidi Uzoechi, an obsessed Sci-fi writer whose imagination Journeys beyond the heavens of creativity. He is a bonafide member of the Hill Top Creative Art Foundation Minna, a Short story writer, a Poet, Pen artist and a Theologian. He’s an Indigen of Imo State Nigeria. Asides studying and being a Shakespeare Anthony Chidi Uzoechi is an addictive studier, he studies anything significant that comes his way.

‎Just like how the universe is without bound in suspense, Anthony  Journeys into unraveling the deep depth of creativity through writing.

‎Facebook: Anthony Chidi Uzoechi 

Instagram: @anthonychiuzo

X: @anthonychiuzo

‎

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The rapid expansion of digital technologies has redefined the foundations of modern societies. This paper examines the multifaceted role of computer literacy as a determinant of human capital development in the twenty-first century. By analyzing its impact on education, professional competitiveness, information security, social interaction, and personal growth, the study underscores the necessity of integrating digital competence into both national strategies and individual development agendas.

Introduction

The twenty-first century is widely described as the era of digital transformation. The accelerated growth of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has reshaped nearly all domains of human activity, from education and healthcare to governance and business. International organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations emphasize a strong correlation between a nation’s digital capacity and its economic performance, educational quality, and institutional effectiveness [1][2]. Within this framework, computer literacy emerges not merely as a technical skill but as a strategic resource for sustainable human development in the globalized world.

The Role of Computer Literacy in Modern Society

1. Education

Digital literacy enhances learners’ autonomy and fosters innovative approaches to knowledge acquisition. Access to online databases, electronic textbooks, and interactive platforms facilitates self-directed learning and critical engagement with academic content. Empirical studies by UNESCO suggest that educational systems with high digital competence levels achieve up to 30% higher learning outcomes compared to systems with limited digital integration [3]. This demonstrates the catalytic role of technology in academic advancement.

2. Professional Development

In contemporary labor markets, computer literacy constitutes a baseline requirement rather than an added qualification. A survey conducted by the World Economic Forum in 2024 reported that 92% of employers demand at least fundamental digital competencies from potential candidates [4]. Moreover, ICT proficiency enables professionals to adapt across diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, business, and creative industries. The global shift toward remote employment further illustrates how computer literacy facilitates access to international labor markets, thus enhancing global workforce mobility.

3. Critical Thinking and Cybersecurity

Computer literacy encompasses more than operational skills; it includes the capacity for critical evaluation of digital content and responsible online behavior. Given that cybercrime inflicted economic damages exceeding 8 trillion USD worldwide in 2023 [5], awareness of cybersecurity practices has become essential. A digitally literate population is better positioned to safeguard personal information, resist disinformation, and contribute to the establishment of a secure digital ecosystem.

4. Social Interaction

ICT has revolutionized communication and collaboration, fostering both local and global integration. Tools such as video conferencing, e-learning platforms, and social media networks enable individuals to participate more actively in civic and professional life. Estonia, for example, is internationally recognized as a digital nation where over 99% of government services are provided online [6]. This model illustrates how digital competence enhances transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in governance.

5. Personal Growth

On an individual level, computer literacy broadens opportunities for lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Platforms such as Coursera and Udemy democratize access to education, allowing millions of learners worldwide to acquire new skills and advance their careers [7]. Furthermore, digital tools encourage personal development by supporting creative expression, intellectual exploration, and participation in the global knowledge economy.

Conclusion

Computer literacy has evolved into a fundamental prerequisite for success in the contemporary world. It contributes not only to academic and professional advancement but also to the protection of digital security, the strengthening of civic participation, and the enrichment of personal life. Consequently, policymakers should prioritize the integration of computer literacy within national education and development strategies, while individuals should recognize it as an indispensable component of lifelong growth. Ultimately, digital literacy represents the cornerstone of sustainable progress in the information society.

Hasanbayev Sardorbek Ne’matjon oglu — born on January 1, 2009, in Namangan district, Namangan region. He studied at Secondary School No. 22 in the district until the 6th grade, completed the 7th grade at Specialized State Boarding School No. 21, and is currently an 11th-grade student at the Namangan District Specialized School. From childhood, he has been passionate about English, mastered it thoroughly, and holds an international IELTS certificate.

First, from contributor Jacques Fleury, an announcement of a new book! “Immortal Lines of Poetry” by Sourav Sarkar and Jacques Fleury

A collaboration between myself and internationally renowned poet Sourav Sarkar of India. The book presents us both as “2 Poets of the Common Era Literature Period” (a term Sarkar claims to have coined himself on Oct. 24, 2021 and is celebrated worldwide on its founding date yearly) and allows the reader an opportunity to “sample” our poetic styles and substance. It is at times a supple staccato or eroticism, at times mesmerizingly musical of humanism, at times visceral to its soul core but eventually reaches a crescendo to volcanic eruption of literary passion, hope and inspiration for our seemingly crumbling humanity. Here is a sample of one of MY poems from the book. Hope you check it out on Amazon. Merci beaucoup! 

This month’s issue focuses on what’s going on inside of all of us, and how that shapes who we are. We’re going Beneath the Surface.

Stella Kwon’s paintings explore dreams, childhood, fantasy, and the interiority needed for a creative life. Jacques Fleury’s sample poem from his new book Immortal Lines of Poetry looks into dreams and internal inspiration. Debabrata Maji’s poem traces his heart’s inner journey. Damon Hubbs tracks the odds and ends running through his mind while watching competitive tennis. Annabel Kim’s artwork explores and celebrates human and natural creativity. Ma Yongbo evokes the change of seasons, nature, and mortality.

Mark Young renders maps and nature into works of art in his ‘geographies.’ J.K. Durick speaks to intellectual experiences – the news, books, museums – and how we communicate ourselves to ourselves. Jasmina Saidova honors an inspirational teacher as Abdirashidova Ozoda explores possibilities for digital technology in early childhood education. Eshmamatova Shabbona traces the history and evolution of Uzbek literature and Munira Xolmirzayeva traces the history of Russian writing.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou praises the delicate elegance of Lily Swarn’s new poetry collection A Drop of Cosmos. Uralova Gulmira highlights themes of personal experience and motherhood in the patriotic writings of Uzbek poet Saida Zunnunova. Sayani Mukherjee reflects on being driven towards poetry in a full and changing world. Dr. Rasmiyya Sabir writes of romantic love, poetic inspiration, and the irrepressible drive to be heard.

Jakhongir Nomozov interviews poet Rustam Bekhrudi, who intends to capture and convey the resilient Turkish spirit in his writing. Mesfakus Salahin speaks to human psychology and the drive to live amid the allure of death. Mahbub Alam describes a night of discomfort due to mosquitoes, which he endures by thinking of people who have it much worse. Abdisattorova Hurshida’s short story highlights the dignity and self-determination and patience of the hardworking rural poor in Uzbekistan, even when facing death.

Hanen Marouani probes our internal emotional life with tenderness. Bill Tope uncovers the veil of a past sixth grade classroom where the students and teacher are full of inner and outer turmoil. Alan Catlin continues his surreal examination of the physical manifestations of work anxiety as Elbekova Nilufar warns of the danger to our eyes and psyches posed by Internet addiction. Emeniano Somoza Jr. reflects on what we lose by lessening the ups and downs of our emotional nature. Donia Sahab’s poetry probes the psychological torment and confusion Dr. Alaa Basheer alludes to in his painting. J.J. Campbell navigates loneliness with his trademark wit and cynicism.

Joana L.J. Milovanovic’s words bear witness to the psychological and physical damage domestic abusers inflict. Mykyta Ryzhykh’s characters find themselves subsumed by the crushing violence of a metaphorical “leviathan.” Alex S. Johnson reflects on his friendship with Runaways band member and visionary Kari Lee Krome and how the music industry elevates and chews people up.

Jakhongir Nomozov’s speaker reasserts himself after intense seasons of emotional pain and rejection. Soumen Roy highlights the importance of respect and patience in true love. Munisa Rustamova expresses gratitude for her mother’s constant love in a harsh world full of fake people. Alex S. Johnson and Kandy Fontaine assert their confidence in their way of living and loving and show how power is expressed through service and care, not abuse. Liderqiz demonstrates this ethic of service through a profile of Uzbek Information Service leader Dilbar Ashilbayeva.

Andela Bunos speaks of the universal human grief of lost love. Kristy Raines’ poetry expresses commitment to a romantic relationship despite being separated. Lola Ijbrater outlines the rise and fall of a romance through a series of flowers. Ken Gosse describes heartbreak through clever poems with increasing numbers of lines. Eva Petropoulou’s lines address intimate love and the beauty of forgiveness. Annamurodov Umarbek reflects on coming of age after losing his father.

Journalist Giorgos Pratzikos and literary figure Eva Petropoulou Lianou interview Greek writer Fay Rempelou about how she intends to inspire peace, creativity, and humanity through her poetry. Nilufar Mo’ydinova presents a thoughtful exploration of artificial intelligence’s potential and how to mindfully develop it for the benefit of human creativity. Taghrid Bou Merhi traces the moral ascent of humankind, as societies developed respect for life, human rights, and gender equity. Omonova Sevinch highlights the importance of educating women and girls to uplift society. Graciela Noemi Villaverde points out the power of icons and commemorations of peace to interrupt the hostility that leads to war.

Giorgos Pratzikos interviews actor and children’s author Zisis Papaioanou on his craft, his artistic vision, his inspirations in Christ and Aristotle, and desire for Greeks to have more neighborly concern and look out for each other.

Taylor Dibbert reflects on the impression Americans make while traveling abroad. Doug Hawley and Bill Tope present a humorous tale of unintended interplanetary cooperation. Duane Vorhees’ poetry deals with our humanity, the roles we play in life and who we choose to become to each other.

Abdel Iatif Moubarak’s words express solitude and the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities in an uncertain world. Abigail George reviews Nadine AuCoin’s horror novel Tucked Inn, a tale of survival and good overcoming evil. Justin Faisal, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar and advocate for his fellow refugees, writes of his inner journey of perseverance and finding beauty in life. Sharifova Saidaxon reflects on similar sentiments, finding forgiveness and acceptance through her faith.

We hope this issue inspires you to dig into your inner psyche and uncover strength and reach for your hopes and dreams.