(Image of a middle aged South Asian man with short dark hair, reading glasses, no beard but a small mustache. He’s got a plaid collared shirt on and blue jeans and is sitting in front of a tan wall.)

THE WORLD BETWEEN US

In this world of love, songs, and lore.
As I watch you at a distance, my dear.
My heart thrills with joy and pleasure.
I always aspire to the blissful days at the core.

In this world of the sun and moon.
With the grandeur of Autumn and Spring.
We will have a nice time in nature soon. 
And make this life 
full of felicity in a magical Spring. 

This world is full of forces of good and evil.
We must always cherish a positive will.
And drive out the forces of destruction and the devil.
To make this life full of bliss and goodwill.

Oh dear, let us spread our love to all the creation.
For, the world is suffering, it needs so much love.
Let us love the creation and save it all from destruction.
To all creation let us extend, our ardent love and aspiration.



SONGS OF CUCKOO AND OTHER BIRDS 

Even if it was not dawn 
The sweet symphony of the cuckoo swept into the air
Like a sweet canticle 
It was so clear, sublime, and ecstatic, 
It filled me with a celestial feeling.
As an early riser, 
I sat on the balcony of my house in the countryside and enjoyed it to my heart's content.
It seemed to me that I was not sipping the coffee but the sweet song of the cuckoo.
It was not far off.
Hardly a few meters away from my house. 

Again I heard the fascinating voice of a bird.
With this also, the spring breeze was touching me.
It was having a special charm.
It was so enjoyable free, light, and beautiful.
It was near my balcony,
I saw a tiny bird not more 
than the size of a thumb 
but gifted with so sweet songs.
Being curious I went to see it among the flowering plants adjoining the balcony.
As l went near, it flew away into the air.
But I know, it will again come back and
spread its mesmerizing spell and make the environment happy and 
jubilant.
For, spring is existing with all its beauty and splendour.



SILENT LOVE

You are separated from me miles away
Perhaps there is less chance to meet again
But your memory always haunts me
And still, always a subtle silent link moves.
It travels from me to you always
It speaks soul to soul
An inner soul voice speaks to you in silent hours.
It is, as if, you are with me and talking. 
I feel the pangs but I transcend it.
A sense of satisfaction I feel.
You can tell it is love or anything else.
I believe, beyond body, feelings transcend
And takes the soul to the loved one.
Beyond body, a true love world exists.
Body attachment destroys, the purity of love
True love is always beyond body.
It transcends and comes back to your shore



DIVINE FLAME

In the far distance on the horizon
There blaze a flower of crimson light
So radiant and bright
Behold it with all your might

My heart aspires to touch the Saviour's light
Under the dew drops deep. 
With the blade of grass filled with dew.
Nodding its head and dancing in the breeze

With the soulful fight
I stand to place my ordeal allure.
With all my endeavour
Only for the coveted goal

Nothing can deflate
Nothing can erase
Nothing can allure and detract
Nothing can move me
My attention is on the saviour light.

With determination of ton's fight
My aspiration jumps to an unseen height
To catch hold of the divine light
With the blessings of the heavenly sight.


He is a bilingual poet, translator, editor, and story writer. He writes in English and Odia language.

He has been pursuing his creative writing for the last twenty years and has authored more than one thousand English poems. All of his poetical exposition centres around Nature, God,   love, and relationships. Some of his poems have been translated into international languages. He has co-authored three English anthologies of poems with his two friends.  Besides he is the co-author of more than fifty English anthologies of poems of many literary groups.

He holds the degree of M.A. in both Economics and History. He has accomplished a Ph.D.  degree in sociology from Utkal University. He also holds a law degree from M.S. Law College, Cuttack. He hails from Mallipur in the district of Cuttack, Odisha, India.

His English poems have been published in several national and international journals and Anthologies and have gained worldwide appreciation. He has received so many accolades from various national and international literary groups. He is a recipient of the Gold Medal award from the World Union of Poets, Rome.

A Conceptual Poem for Everyone



Imagine a poem to which anyone can contribute.



Everyone brings their best knowledge and their best words.



If you love the earth and the worms inside it, you can write about earth and the worms inside it.


You can describe your love.



If you love the brief-lived 80s superhero show Misfits of Science you can write about Misfits of Science.
 

Other poets who love Misfits of Science will also write about Gloria Dinallo, a telekinetic teenager.
 

She is troubled. She is Courteney Cox.
 

Poets will write about her.
 

You have invented Wikipedia.

I am Wahab 

My reading teacher used to call me 
"Little Lamb" My mother called me "Feather" 
She'd confine me to the room during storms 
So, I wouldn't fly like last time 
Upon returning from school 
My friends would call me a "Rocket" 
I'd swallow the streets like an aspirin pill, 
Leaving no one ahead of me 
Now I am still Wahab Rolling 
Like a cylinder on rugged ground 
Next to a wall leaning toward collapse. 

By Wahab Shereef Translated by Faleeha Hassan …….. ‏Wahab Al-Sharif ‏is an Iraqi poet, born in Najaf in 1961. He is a member of the Union of Authors and Writers in Iraq. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media from the University of Baghdad. ‏He has published 22 poetry collections.
 

Welcome, readers, to May 2024’s second issue!

This month the theme is Self-Determination, having the space and power and dignity to be able to understand and shape one’s own destiny. We stand with all peoples of the world seeking self-determination.

Raafia Shaheen urges us to see people on their own terms and not just how they are useful to us.

Michael Robinson reviews and finds encouragement from Jacques Fleury’s You Are Enough: The Journey To Accepting Your Authentic Self. The book suggests that Black men worldwide should define themselves on their own rather than simply following social stereotypes.

Shahnoza Ochildiyeva tells the story of a girl who has to leave her Uzbek home due to loss but who returns home having made something of herself.

Zarina Abdulina speaks to the importance of worthwhile work to a person’s self-concept and how teaching fills the role for her. Marjona Shayimova talks about finding the courage and perseverance to achieve her goals.

Nazokat Urinboeva offers up a tribute to Uzbekistan’s strength and cultural heritage, all the way back to Mughal emperor Babur while O’tkir Kochkor enscribes poetic praise for the majesty and history of his Uzbek homeland. Mannonova Shakhnoza outlines scholarly research into the history of the Kagan Khanate in Uzbek history as Zulayho Sultonaliyeva illustrates how her culture and society can adapt for the times in her piece on the legal precedent and need for updating and modernizing Uzbekistan’s constitution.

Behruz Toshtemirov argues for the unique qualities of literature as an art form, inspired by her Uzbek cultural heritage.

Abdunazarova Khushroy gives us a poetic tribute to the heritage and language of Uzbekistan as Feruza Abdullayeva pays tribute to the many Uzbek writers whose work she admires.

Evie Petropoulou showcases an Egyptian celebration of the Greek poet Cavafy, who was known for his sensual and political poems and unconventional personal style.

Alan Catlin rearranges verbal ephemera from famous people to create unique character sketches. Jacques Fleury celebrates the good fun of the Blue Man Group while Noah Berlatsky shares a harsh and iconoclastic thought about Ezra Pound and Daniel De Culla’s poem pokes gentle fun at the wealthy and powerful.

Mark Young presents a fresh set of his signature mix of text and colorful images as Saad Ali showcases ekphrastic work in response to historical paintings, inserting his thoughts into the fabric of history.

Kylian Cubilla Gomez crafts photographic closeups of his dinosaur and tractor toys and other childhood ephemera. Habibova Mahzuna expresses nostalgia for her lost childhood.

Wayne Russell avows his allegiance to travel and adventure while Sayani Mukherjee’s poetry evokes flights of imagination around the globe.

Adam Fieled peers into the close and tempestuous relationship between an artist and a muse. Gaurav Ojha outlines his path from youthful lusts to maturity and spiritual transcendence. Sandip Saha’s pieces explore the search for mystical spirituality amidst daily life.

James Whitehead probes timeless questions about human life, ethics, and suffering. Niginabonu Amirova reflects on our mortality and the cycles of nature as Mykyta Ryzhykh crafts lowercase poems about the tragedies of quick and slower deaths and Mashhura Abduhalilova renders the experience of mental distress, showing how anxiety distorts time and sensations.

Nigar Nurulla Khalilova laments society’s being uncaring to the vulnerable while Iraqi poet Faleeha Hassan takes a quiet moment to mourn family members lost to war.

Bruce Roberts reminds us of the historic coexistence of Jews, Christians, Muslims and other people in the Middle East and laments the current violence in the region.

Grave markers from medieval Lisbon, showing Christian crosses, Muslim pentagrams and Jewish Stars of David. (Museu de Lisboa)

Bill Tope’s story exposes different levels of corruption in the nonprofit world, how greed can mess with even the best of intentions.

Z.I. Mahmud looks into scholarly literature that explores the tension between Batman’s heroism and his lawbreaking and vigilante violence.

J.J. Campbell seeks to show small kindness in an alienating world. Feruza Muzaffarova highlights the humane sensibility behind O’tkir Hashimov’s novel Between Two Doors. On a personal level, Niginabonu Amirova urges a return to common courtesy, beginning with greetings.

Tuliyeva Sarvinoz speaks to the importance of setting a good example and preparing children for the world. Diyora Tursunboyeva reminds us of the importance of encouraging children’s dreams. Niginabonu Amirova celebrates the joy of sports and athleticism for young people as Rano Babamurodova encourages children to read books and learn.

Tuliyeva Sarvinoz also outlines offerings at Uzbekistan’s vocational schools as Abdunazarova Khushroy reflects on educating herself by learning Arabic and Jumanazarova R. gives honor and respect to a dedicated teacher. Tuliyeva Sarvinoz also pays tribute to another educated and accomplished writer and teacher.

Muslima Murodova Kadyrovna pays tribute to the spiritual and compassionate love of her mother. Zuhra Ruzmetova also honors the care and encouragement and constancy of her mother. Nosirova Gavhar pays tribute to her grandfather who introduced her to books and gardening. Zilola Khamrokulova sends up a poetic love piece for her mother as Nozima Uloguva’s poetry and prose celebrates the sacrificial and dedicated love of many mothers as Dilnoza Eshqulova renders up her intense grief and spiritual angst after losing her mother.

Prasana Kumar Dalai presents the joys, pains, and trepidations of love and Mesfakus Salahin contributes delicate romantic poetry. Duane Vorhees presents various sensual love poems through the metaphors of music, literature and cosmology. Kristy Raines sends up passionate and adoring pleas to her lover to remain close.

However, Taylor Dibbert reminds us that no matter how much work you put into a relationship, it doesn’t always last forever. Perhaps the couple he describes could have heeded Madina Toxirova’s advice on the importance of psychology for young people to understand themselves before marrying. Zafar Nur contributes a poem of lament over a heartbreak as Maurizio Brancaleoni translates poetry from Italian writer Amelia Rosselli on quiet heartbreak and loneliness.

Maheshwar Das exults in love, faith, and nature as Brian Barbeito outlines a poetic and pastoral journey in the rain and Brian Barbeito also shares closeups of spring flowers.

J.D. Nelson’s haiku captures spring moments of transition and in-betweenness as Isabel Gomez de Diego contributes photos of various doors and entry ways. Lynn White highlights the whole worlds going on in what we might consider the background of nature.

Mahbub Alam celebrates nature and love in his Bangladeshi homeland. Abduvohid Holikov presents a description of the cultural and natural beauty of the Denov region of Uzbekistan while Ochildiyeva Dilnoza Abdivokhid celebrates the Surkhandarya region’s cultural and natural history and her family heritage. Abduhoshim Maxamadov celebrates the geographic and biological diversity of Central Asia’s Ferghana Valley. Samadov Aziz Xasanovich encourages technology development in harmony with these natural environments in his paper on measurement techniques for constructing horizontal and inclined wells.

Graciela Noemi Villaverde captures a moment of personal and mental stillness and rest. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa finds her psychological rest and inspiration in water: rain and the ocean’s diversity of life. Annie Johnson speaks to calm moments with her love throughout time and seasons of nature.

Denau

When a person comes into the world, he will face a lot of love during her life. But there is a love in her heart that is eternal! This is love for the Motherland! For everyone, the place where they were  born such as their home, their district, their country – everything is their Motherland!

We always compare the motherland to mothers and call it Motherland! I also consider it my duty and pride to tell the story of my hometown, to introduce it to the world! I am a girl from Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has 12 regions located in different regions and connected to each other. I was born and grew up in Denov district of Surkhandarya region, which is located in the south of Uzbekistan. I can proudly say that Denov is one of the most famous and developed districts of Surkhandarya region!

Denov district has a very old and unique history. It was called Dehinav in ancient times. But in 1958 it was officially founded as Denov district. The population of Denov consists of representatives of various nationalities. You can meet Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turkmens, Russians and even Arabics in my city. The most gratifying thing is that these people always live there   together as a family. I love these people of my city. Because among them I never feel alone. Even every street, every house and family feels like mine.

The climate and nature of my city is unique. It is a tropical region that is  located between Surkhandarya and Sangardak rivers. There are fields and hills, apple, pomegranate, cherry, apricot orchards and vineyards, cotton and wheat fields. People who want to see the most beautiful example of my hometown’s nature can visit the Sangardak waterfall located between Denov and Saraasia districts. Because this waterfall captivates any person with its purity, enthusiasm and beauty. Especially in the summer months, the number of visitors increases. That is why many people think of Sangardak firstly when they talk about Denov city.

It is necessary to mention the achievements in the field of education in my town. Because there are currently more than 100 general secondary schools and specialized schools are operating . The magnificent university in the center of our city provides great comfort for  youth. Also, sports school and music and art schools are always lovely for talented youth and children.

I would not be mistaken if I say that my district is currently in the period of rapid development. Because renewal, development and creativity in all regions of my district! I hope that in the next 5-10 years, Denov will become one of the most famous and most developed places not only in the Surkhandarya region, but also in the whole of Uzbekistan! Maybe one day when you visit Denov, you might say “Denov is unique Denov”!

Ochildiyeva Shahnoza Abdivohid qizi was born on July 17, 2006 in the republik of Uzbekistan, Surkhandarya region , Denov district. Presently, she studies at school number 49 in 11^th grade. She is a member of international organizations such as “Asih sasami Indonesiya Global Writers”,”Juntos por las letras”,”Iqra” and so on and a head captain of Youth Union Organization!

Her poems have been published in several international newspapers and magazines. Apart from, her books which called “Yurakdagi orzularim”, “She’riyat o’ziga ayladi asir” were published. Her new book which is “Happiness” is selling in 26 countries of the world.

New Constitution-development encyclopedia

Zulayho Sultonaliyeva, daughter of Sultanaliyeva Zulayho Sherzod
Jizzakh branch of the National University of Uzbekistan named after
The direction of economy (networks and sectors),
131-23 group student

Abstract. The new Constitution is a symbol of development. Because the Constitution is not a frozen law, but it should be constantly updated according to the economic, social and political changes.
Key words: Constitution, development, state, laws, strategy, Renaissance, referendum.

Changing the constitution was the solution, because today everything is developing. As our economic, social and political views are changing in turn, therefore our laws had to change as well.
If in any country human value is glorified, if human interests are put above all else, the development of that country will accelerate and at the same time there will be development. Under the consistent
laws implemented in the new Constitution, a person, his rights and freedoms, and all his legal interests are embodied.

It is also important that norms aimed at the formation of an active civil society and the further development of the institution of public control are introduced into our updated Constitution. In addition, the issue of public control over the formation of the state budget and its execution is specifically reflected in the new article 122. From this we can see how much importance is attached to our development today and great efforts are being made for the development of our development.

In his speech, the head of state noted that the interests of all strata were taken into account in the updated constitution, that the population actively participated in its development, and that it was
adopted through a referendum, which is proof that this document is a truly people's constitution.

Millions of our compatriots took an active part in the public debates held from the discussion of the draft of our constitution to its adoption. From this point of view, we have every reason to say that the real author of our new Constitution was our people. The most important thing is that we will never turn back from the path of our reforms, we will only move forward based on the new system of "man
- society - state", - said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In our new constitution, the value of human being is put first, of course, development will improve in such a country. The future of our country, its future, development and the prosperous life of our
people directly depend on the newly adopted Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The successful results of large-scale reforms that have taken place in our republic over the past six years are widely recognized by official circles abroad. A well-thought-out long-term program of reform, democratization, liberalization and modernization of our society is attracting the attention of statesmen and politicians.

The new Constitution created the political and legal basis for the implementation of the strategy of New Uzbekistan and determined the priority directions for the further development of the state and
society at the historically important stage of the development of national statehood. The fact that Uzbekistan is a sovereign, democratic, legal, social and secular state in the first article of our
updated Constitution has become historically significant. In our updated Constitution, we can see that every article is clearly and concisely explained and elaborated. These changes and additions are aimed at the more stable development of Uzbekistan, strengthening its potential to resist various threats.

The main goal of the systematic reforms implemented in our country is to glorify human dignity, establish a people-friendly social state, and ensure justice and the rule of law. It is good that New Uzbekistan, which is creating the foundations of the Third Renaissance, has made great progress in this way in a short period of time. We are seeing the results of all these reforms. This also shows the rise of our development. The most important thing is that everyone sees and feels such changes in their daily life. In the future reforms, it is aimed to further improve these achieved results and create additional conditions for people.

It is worth noting that the strong legal foundations of the reforms at the new stage of our development, founded by our President, are in full compliance with the priority principles and rules laid down in our Constitution. many priority principles, such as loyalty to established human rights, high responsibility to current and future generations, commitment to democracy and social justice, ensuring that citizens live a decent life, are manifested today as an example of changes in the life of every person.

The results of the reforms covering all sectors and industries are visible in any region of our country, including in the villages and hamlets of the most remote districts. Today, no one can deny that
people are actually enjoying the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. The decisive factor for this is the fact that the head of our state, who is the author of vital initiatives and noble ideas, who sets the priorities, takes great responsibility for their implementation, devotes his whole existence to the interests of the nation and the country. is doing.

Effective, people-oriented state administration and a strong parliament are necessary for people to live comfortably and for the stable development of the country. Another important aspect of our
updated Constitution is that our General Assembly aims to establish a strong parliament, a compact and responsible government, and an independent and fair judicial system in order to build a people-
friendly state. According to him, the powers of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate have been significantly expanded, duplications in the work of the two chambers have been eliminated, and the sphere of responsibility of each has been clearly defined.

As a result of establishing a direct dialogue between the people and the state authorities, the attitude towards the changes implemented by the initiative of the state authorities and management
bodies has fundamentally changed. The policy of transparency has led to the prompt response of public bodies to the public opinion and the prompt resolution of existing socio-economic problems.

If we don't change our constitution today, if we don't adapt it to the norms that meet the requirements of the time, we will not be able to get rid of the "rust" that has corroded our society, besides, it will take many years for us to become a competitive, modern, most advanced country. The goal is to become a competitive, modern, most advanced country, this is not a myth, we must strive for this reality. 

The human factor plays an important role in the society we are building, which is based on the priority of human interests. The Constitution is a huge historical success of the Uzbek people during the years of national independence. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan formed the legal basis of our independent statehood, ensured the country's inclusion in the ranks of sovereign states, laid the main foundation of our freedom, the cornerstone that gave each of us the pleasure of living in a legal, democratic and open civil society.

Summary: It should be noted that the updated Constitution will be a solid legal basis and a reliable guarantee for the long-term development strategy of our country, the prosperous life of our country and people tomorrow. The new Constitution will help our development. The fact that the legal norms related to the social protection of the population are clearly disclosed in the new Constitution is a proof of the greatness of the human value. Where human dignity is glorified, there will surely be an ascension.

References:
1. https:// daryo.uz
2. https://kknews.uz
3. https://religion.uz
4. https://buxdu.uz

About this Whole Nature vs. God “Thing”

	I recall it now, in a time of plague.  
	I was in love with someone.  
	Who it was is rather beside the point.  
	I loved her and she loved me, that much I remember.  If it was the person I am with now, then the story makes no sense to me.  That love is still good.  And I associate the story with a fall.  So, I am pretty sure it was a failed love.  That we loved each other, but that something went wrong.  
	What happened, which was not the terribly wrong thing that took away our love, was this:
	We went to a ballet.  It was almost that simple.
	Other people went with us, friends, family members, they all joined us.  We had enough tickets, that we all sat in a row, alongside one another.
	I had family there, she had family there.
	I had friends there, she had friends there.
	We both were surrounded by other people.
	I hated and hate the ballet.
	It felt like something forced upon me, like life itself.
	What I mean is, metaphorically, no one chooses to be born.
	But once born . . . we choose to live.
	I did not want to be there, but, there I was.
	And during the entire show, I only remember two corresponding sensations, which, combined, informed me about something . . . taught me something about this experience I never would have chosen to live through.
	To my left, I felt, repeatedly, an elbow in my ribs, and, whenever I turned, the person to my left kept saying, repeating, “Look at that DANCE!”
	To my right, I felt, repeatedly, an elbow in my ribs, and, whenever I turned, the person to my right kept saying, repeating, “Look at that DANCER!”
	So I, listening to both of them, trying to learn from both of them, how I might best enjoy this living experience, looked at what we were all there to witness and experience.

	And I kept seeing the same thing.
	Whether I looked to the Dancer, or to the Dance.
	It all looked the same to me.




Aren’t Judas I just perfect, given the money? 

	I give my money to the brewers of the world because they are truly great human beings. Still it does me no good for answers when I question almost daily the accident of my life, sitting in my apartment loft, reading Henry Miller, staring at my diplomas, wondering about my father, whose first job was holding live pigs’ hind legs, while the animal doctor cut there, or my father, whose last job was holding stock, or wondering about my mother, whose first job was teaching special children, or whose last job was teaching her children. 
	My life does me no good for answers, petting two cats, one named for disappearing, one named for being seen, or listening to music – name the genre –or sitting next to a well-lit globe outlining already outdated countries – the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, all other countries all running their mortal course, including our own, or typing on an outdated machine, one worth more than a third world income, or wondering why these thoughts of mine do not inhabit another – a Muslim woman burning alive in more than the sun for being unveiled, a child of a disappeared Pole in a forest near white Russia, a South African miner, ass daily probed, giving the merry widow its glow, a rubber worker from Indonesia, his grandfather killed in 1965, in the uprising, an American nun, who taught sharing – that’s what she called it – in South America, now somewhere in its Incan ground, or a revolutionary living in a world without accidents of fate . . .  or wondering . . . hung up, if he loved Mary, because he could, or if he loved her instead because he could not . . .
	 The money that pays the next bills, it gives no answer, no clue, doesn’t it, as I give it to the brewers of the world . . . 
	this well-lit, mortal world? 



Because


They raised the children to be unkind because the world was unkind
because they raised the children to be unkind because the world was
unkind because they raised the children to be unkind because the
world was unkind because they raised the children to be unkind be-
cause the world was unkind because they raised the children to be un-kind because the world was unkind.