Abdusaidova Jasmina was born on July 20, 2011, in Gallaorol District of Jizzakh Region. She is a young creative talent and aspiring writer who continues to actively pursue her artistic work. She has participated in numerous competitions and events, winning prestigious first, second, and third places.

From an early age, she developed a strong passion for learning and has tested herself in various fields and disciplines. She is the recipient of the “Best Leader” nomination award.

Her creative works have been published several times in the international newspapers Classico Opine and Kenya Times. They have also been featured on international platforms such as Atunis Galaxy Poetry (Albania), Alessandria Today (Italy), and SynchChaos (United States).

She serves as an ambassador for three international organizations in India. Her creative works are indexed on Google.

She actively participated in the creative festival titled “Mosaic of Nations – 8 Countries, 1 Stage, 1 Heart,” where she won first place and was awarded the “Ambassador of Friendship” badge.

She is also a member of the Writers’ Union of Argentina.

Alisher Navoiy and His Literary Heritage: His Unparalleled Place in Uzbek Literature

Abstract

Alisher Navoiy is one of the greatest figures in the history of Uzbek literature. His творчество not only made an immense contribution to the development of the Uzbek language but also had a profound influence on world literature. This article explores Alisher Navoiy’s life, literary heritage, philosophical views, most famous works, and historical significance. It also analyzes how Navoiy’s творчество is perceived in the modern era and how his works influence the thinking and worldview of contemporary readers. Navoiy is examined as a poet, thinker, and statesman, and his role in today’s cultural and spiritual heritage is evaluated.

Keywords: Alisher Navoiy, Uzbek literature, poetry, Fuzuli, love, Sufism, historical heritage

Introduction

Alisher Navoiy (1441–1501) is recognized as one of the greatest poets and literary figures of Central Asia. Born in the city of Herat (present-day Afghanistan), Navoiy had an unparalleled influence not only on Uzbek literature but also on the development of the entire Turkic and Persian literary traditions. The deep philosophical thought, spiritual meaning, and poetic mastery found in his works have been studied for centuries. This article provides a detailed analysis of Navoiy’s contribution to literature and culture, as well as his life, works, and philosophical views.

Main Part

1. Alisher Navoiy: His Life and Personality

Alisher Navoiy was born in 1441 in Herat, which was part of the Timurid Empire. Raised in an intellectually rich family, he studied literature, philosophy, logic, astronomy, and religious sciences from a young age. Despite living during a period of political instability, he served as a minister in the court of Sultan Husayn Bayqara.

Although he was a statesman, he paid great attention to the development of art, science, and literature, supporting many scholars and poets. His personality harmoniously combined the qualities of a politician, poet, and Sufi thinker.

2. Navoiy’s Works: The Harmony of Poetry and Philosophy

Alisher Navoiy was an extremely prolific writer, and his works cover a wide range of themes, including love, morality, justice, enlightenment, and spiritual perfection.

His most famous work is Khamsa (“The Quintet”), a collection of five epic poems, which includes:

Hayrat al-Abrar (“Wonder of the Righteous”) – a moral and philosophical work discussing virtue and the spiritual principles of society.

Farhad and Shirin – an epic devoted to tragic love.

Layli and Majnun – a famous love story symbolizing divine love and spiritual madness.

Sab’ai Sayyar (“Seven Planets”) – a work about enlightenment, justice, and governance.

Saddi Iskandari (“The Wall of Alexander”) – a poem devoted to wisdom, politics, and leadership.

Navoiy’s mastery of language, thought, and genre has ensured that his works remain valued not only in his own era but also today.

3. Sufism and Philosophy: The Foundation of Navoiy’s Worldview

One of the most important aspects of Navoiy’s творчество is Sufi philosophy. Sufism is based on the ideas of spiritual purification, closeness to God, and the cleansing of the soul.

In his work Muhabbatnama (“The Book of Love”), the concept of love is interpreted not only as a feeling between people but also as a spiritual path toward reaching the Creator.

For Navoiy, true love is the path that leads the soul toward perfection.

4. Navoiy and the Uzbek Literary Language

Although Navoiy wrote in two languages—Persian and Turkic (Chagatai)—his greatest contribution was elevating the Turkic language to a high literary level. During a time when Persian dominated literary expression, he deliberately wrote in Turkic and demonstrated its rich expressive possibilities.

By doing so, he laid a strong foundation for Uzbek literature.

5. Navoiy’s Legacy in Modern Literature and Thought

Even today, Alisher Navoiy’s творчество has not lost its relevance. His works have been translated into many languages and are studied worldwide. In Uzbekistan, February 9 is celebrated annually as “Navoiy Day.”

His ideas about justice, compassion, knowledge, and love remain an invaluable spiritual heritage for modern society.

Conclusion

Alisher Navoiy was not only a poet but also a great thinker, statesman, and spiritual leader whose influence has endured for centuries. The poetic beauty, philosophical depth, and spiritual values in his works continue to inspire humanity to reflect and to cultivate self-improvement.

Navoiy’s heritage is an invaluable treasure of the Uzbek people and an integral part of world culture.

References

Navoiy, A. (2013). Khamsa (Five Epics). Tashkent: Akademnashr.

Navoiy, A. (2011). Hayrat al-Abrar. Tashkent: Gafur Ghulom Publishing House.

Navoiy, A. (2012). Lison ut-Tayr. Tashkent: Fan Publishing.

Sultonov, B. (2015). Alisher Navoiy and His Sufi Views. Tashkent: National Library of Uzbekistan.

Mahmudov, R. (2020). Alisher Navoiy: His Personality and Literary Heritage. Tashkent: Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan.

Komilov, N. (2001). Sufism. Tashkent: Movarounnahr.

Quronov, D. (2004). Introduction to Literary Studies. Tashkent: Akademnashr.

Ibrohimov, A. (2018). History of Uzbek Classical Literature. Tashkent: Fan and Technology.

Yoldoshev, M. (2016). Artistic Thinking in the Works of Alisher Navoiy. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi Publishing.

Karimov, I. A. (1997). High Spirituality — An Invincible Force. Tashkent: Manaviyat.

Educating the Builders of the Future – The Most Important Issue

Today, cases of juvenile delinquency are increasingly common in our country. Some people believe that the government is responsible for preventing such situations, while others emphasize that parents should bear the main responsibility. So, whose opinion is actually more justified?

According to supporters of the first viewpoint, the state’s responsibility in preventing crime has several advantages. First, organizing activities that encourage young people’s interest in education plays a significant role in reducing delinquency. In particular, assigning psychologists and National Guard officers to state institutions is one of the most important measures. Second, if employment services provide young people with appropriate jobs, the number of crimes will decrease. As Confucius stated: “Hands that are busy with work stay away from evil deeds.”

The representatives of the second viewpoint approach this issue differently. First of all, a child’s character and worldview are largely shaped by the family environment and the love and care shown by parents. Moreover, parental supervision is crucial in choosing friends and using social networks appropriately. Furthermore, our Constitution — the charter of our happiness — clearly defines parents’ duties toward their children.

In my opinion, parents should bear greater responsibility for raising future builders into morally mature and well-rounded individuals. As Abu Ali Ibn Sina said: “Failing to guide children onto the right path is an act of injustice.” My neighbor, who was indifferent to her child’s upbringing and ignored his harmful habits, eventually saw her 20-year-old son fall into the path of crime.

In conclusion, parents should be attentive to their children and help organize their free time productively. Encouraging adolescents to engage in professions and education is the foundation of our future. Indeed, it is not criminals but educated youth who will build the New Uzbekistan.

Autistic Children. We Are Always Together

Compiler: Axtamova Orastaxon Salimjon qizi – Student of Speech Therapy (Logopedics)

Annotation:
This article discusses the practical aspects of psycho-corrective work in the successful socialization of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It analyzes the psychological characteristics of social adaptation problems in children with autism and outlines effective approaches for intervention. The paper also explains what autism is, when it first becomes noticeable, its classifications, and how to build appropriate relationships with children on the autism spectrum.

Key words: Autism, psychocorrection, early childhood autism, adolescent autism, adult autism, external speech, monologic speech, stereotypical movements, social interaction.

Introduction

In modern psychology, increasing attention is being paid to emotional development and its role in personality formation. Emotions serve as an internal signaling system that helps individuals evaluate events, regulate behavior, and respond appropriately to different situations. When the emotional-volitional sphere develops typically, a child can interpret social cues, adapt to environmental changes, and establish relationships. However, disturbances in this sphere may significantly affect communication, behavior, and social adaptation.

One of the developmental disorders associated with emotional and communicative impairments is autism. Autism (from the Greek word “autos,” meaning “self”) refers to a specific psychological condition in which a person withdraws from social interaction and prefers isolation. The term “autism” was introduced into scientific literature in 1912 by Eugen Bleuler. Later, in 1943, Leo Kanner provided one of the first detailed descriptions of early childhood autism in his work Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact.

Autism spectrum disorder is more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. The first signs usually appear before the age of three, although in some cases they may be noticeable during infancy. Early detection plays a crucial role in ensuring effective intervention and better developmental outcomes.

Clinical Characteristics and Symptoms

Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior regulation. Common symptoms include:

• Limited or absent eye contact;
• Delayed speech development or lack of functional speech;
• Indifference to separation from or reunion with parents;
• Preference for solitary play;
• Repetitive behaviors and stereotypical movements;
• Strong attachment to routines and resistance to change;
• Hypersensitivity to sounds, light, or touch.

Speech development in autistic children may vary. Some children do not speak at all, while others may use echolalia (repeating words or phrases without understanding their communicative meaning). Monologic speech may be present, but interactive dialogue is often limited.

According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), autism-related disorders are categorized under F84, including childhood autism, atypical autism, Rett syndrome, and Asperger syndrome. These classifications reflect differences in symptom severity, onset, and associated developmental conditions.

Classification of Early Childhood Autism

Early childhood autism can be divided into four conditional groups based on behavioral patterns:

Group 1: Children who show almost complete indifference to the external world. They avoid eye contact and physical touch and demonstrate minimal emotional response even toward parents.

Group 2: Children who are isolated but maintain limited contact with close family members. They are highly dependent on routines, specific foods, clothing, or environments. Any change may lead to emotional outbursts.

Group 3: Children immersed in narrow and often unusual interests. These interests may not be educational and can include repetitive or fantasy-based themes.

Group 4: Children who are extremely sensitive and emotionally vulnerable. They desire interaction but struggle to cope with criticism or unexpected changes.

Understanding these groups helps specialists develop individualized psycho-corrective programs.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of autism spectrum disorder remain unclear. Research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible contributing factors include genetic predisposition, prenatal stress, exposure to environmental toxins, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, complications during pregnancy, anemia, hypertension, and ecological pollution.

Previously, autism was considered purely genetic, but recent studies emphasize the multifactorial nature of the disorder. Importantly, autism is not caused by parenting style or emotional coldness of caregivers, as was mistakenly believed in the past.

Psychocorrection and Social Adaptation

Psychocorrectional work plays a vital role in supporting children with autism. Early intervention programs may include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, sensory integration therapy, and social skills training. The goal of psycho-corrective work is to develop communication skills, reduce stereotypical behaviors, enhance emotional regulation, and improve adaptive functioning.

Speech therapists help children develop functional communication, whether verbal or alternative (such as gestures or visual systems). Structured routines and visual supports are often beneficial. Gradual exposure to social environments also improves adaptive skills.

Family involvement is essential. Parents should treat autistic children as capable individuals, providing responsibilities appropriate to their developmental level. Considering them “defective” or equating autism with intellectual disability may hinder progress. Many children with autism have average or above-average intelligence.

Conclusion

Autism is not a dangerous or hopeless condition. It is not a verdict. Individuals with autism live among us and can achieve remarkable success when provided with understanding, acceptance, and professional support. Early identification, environmental modification, and consistent psycho-corrective intervention significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Society must replace fear and misunderstanding with knowledge and empathy. Accepting autistic children as equal members of the community and offering them appropriate educational and social opportunities will facilitate their successful integration. With timely support, many individuals on the autism spectrum grow into independent, talented, and socially active adults.

POETS: FROM LEGISLATORS TO PROPHETS:

Presidential remarks of Dr. Jernail S. Anand

At a recent Poetry Conference organized by Sanskar Bharti,
Chandigarh, [4th Jan 2026], Dr. Jernail S. Anand, who chaired the Poetry Conference, in his presidential address made a reference to the raging issues of our times. 

Knowledge versus Wisdom

The highlight of his speech was his distinction between Knowledge and Wisdom. He pointed out that Knowledge is the domain of Satan,
because it was Satan who had tempted Eve to eat the fruit of
Knowledge.  The Empire of Knowledge that we have created with science and technology is a great achievement of human mind. But it has a tragic flaw.

After getting knowledge, men should become wise. Where is wisdom? Where is innocence? Guile thy name is man. This is what our knowledge has done to man. He has become a gangster. He is not in his senses today. Success has gone to his head.

Is it not a fall down the abyss? Knowledge has made man proud and
arrogant, whereas wisdom makes him humble. This is the line which can be drawn between the two. 

The Chaos in Modern Life

Referring to the chaos in the life of the modern man, Dr. Anand observed that we have spent more time on studying history, leaving no space for study of the Present and we have shown absolutely no concern with the Future. He pointed out that Universities which
dispense knowledge have Departments of History but where is
Dept of the Present and Dept of Future? 

The think tanks are discussing history, which is now a
fixture and cannot be edited. And what we have missed sorely is planning for today and tomorrow. As an example, he pointed out that our marriages have problems. Is there any new philosophy in place to keep men and women in a state of balance? Can peace be
brought to family life? Our girls and women who work in night shifts, when going home in autos, are they safe from gangsters? If not, how can we leave our society fall down the abyss?

Don’t we need to ensure that women are safe in this society? Such things need our attention, not who attacked whom in history and on which date.

Poetry as a Part-time Affair

Dr Anand made a startling disclosure that almost all the poets are part time because Poetry affords no career for anybody on which he could live. Poetry is good as a passion. It is not the cup of tea for the society, for the simple reason that poets are most self-obsessed. If they talk of society, it is in high-flown fantasies. Poets are called
unacknowledged legislators, but he thinks that they are para-prophets also.

They feel the pain of the society and present it in their poems. Poetry that is immortal, is the poetry that talks of the immortal, he observed.

Dr Jernail Singh Anand is an Indian poet, with an oeuvre of 200 books, out of which 18 are epics. Laureate of Seneca, Charter of Morava, Franz Kafka, Maxim Gorky Awards, he was recently crowned Best Author of the Year 2025 by a Vietnam Poetry Organization, Rhythm. He is President of the International Academy of Ethics. His name adorns the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. Anand is a towering literary figure whose work embodies a rare fusion of creativity, intellect, and moral vision.

Bibliography:
https://sites.google.com/view/bibliography-dr-jernal-singh/home

Yahoo Mail:

THE TALK OF THE TOWN

My morning has already come smiling

New dreams even with eyes wide open

An indication that happiness is lurking 

Radiant morning and uplifting breeze 

Being drenched, she runs into my arms 

An angel with lovely tune of her anklets 

The talk of the town is soft and smooth 

Though old, fresh seem conversations 

Beyond all thoughts this life moves on

I am a bud blooming at your first sight 

Find myself dissolved in thy love genuine

And I would love to find my muse in you.

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT!

The mystical moonlight of forest 

In the coziness of shadow and mystery 

In the dreams of body and mind

The lady night comes to sense

The loving swan is lost in her dreams

Returns with the songsters of spring

When the sun sets in the evening 

On the path covered by canopy of trees

With waves of the fascinated ocean

The flute keeps on giving her a call

Queen of the night looks for her beloved

Here is the holy echo of the tunes.

 YOU’RE NOT MINE!

We were walking hand in hand and

You got stranded in the rain again

I was somewhere lost in my dream 

You went farther away from me then

Know not if I can keep up your pace

You were my life just for a moment 

Then you made me grieve for lifetime 

My heart got shattered the very night

To me the wet face was worth seeing 

I often smell you and your memories 

I do feel like having you by me forever

Those memories and journey so sweet 

So haunting I can hardly escape them

Perhaps it caught the sight of evil eyes

My lips were silent but cried my heart 

Though awaiting, I could say nothing 

For I consoled myself you’re not mine.

Sahitya Ratnakar Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai.

(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet while a tremendous Asst Professor of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha. He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India. His free verse on Romantic and melancholic poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village Nandiagada of Ganjam District,the state of Odisha.After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated in Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then M A in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and D. Litt from Colombian poetic house from South America.

He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention. He is an award-winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writing worldwide. His free verse poems not only inspire young readers but also the ready of current time. His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems been translated in different Indian languages and got global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in future.

He is an award-winning poet author of many best seller books. Recently he was awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips. Jaidev Puraskar from Kavita Minar Badamba Cuttack A gold medal from world union of poets France & winner Of Rahim Karims world literary prize 2023.The government of Odisha Higher Education Department appointed him as a president to Governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar. Winner of ” HYPERPOEM ” GUNIESS WORLD RECORD 2023.Recently he was awarded at the SABDA literary Festival at Assam. Highest literary honour from Peru contributing world literature 2024.Prestigious Cesar Vellejo award 2024 & Highest literary honour from Peru. Director at Samrat Educational charitable Trust Berhampur, Ganjam Odisha.

Vicedomini of the World Union of Poets, Italy. UHE awarded him the prestigious Golden Eagle award for his contributions to world literature in 2025.

Completed 257 epistolary poems with American poet Kristy Raines.

Bharat Seva Ratna National award 2025, International Glory award from Manam Foundation Hyderabad Telengana. On the eve of the 1979 Independence Day celebration he earned the Rashtra Ratna award & Maa Bharati Seva Sammana. In 2025 he received a doctorate in Humanity and Literature from Theophany University in Haiti with UNESCO, AEADO and the leaders of Autonomy International. The Prince of Crimea and the Golden Horde from the House of Genghis Khan gave him the prestigious title of “Honorary Bey.”

Received Sahitya Ratnakar from New Delhi 2025, Honorary Doctorate from RMF University collaborated with east and west university Florida United States of America on the eve of International Peace Day. Prestigious THE CONDOR OF ANDES from UHE Mexico 2025. PRESTIGIOUS DOCTORATE from VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF CULTURE AND WORLD PEACE 2025. Nominated for Padmashree 2025. Three-time Gold from the world Union of Poets France. Doctorate from Theophany university Haiti contribution for the world literature 2025. SAHITYA RATNAKAR from New Delhi. Dr. Mayadhar Mansigh Saraswat Samman 2025. Doctorate in Gandhian Philosophy, Peace and Humanity 2025.

Doctorate from Victoria University for Peace 2026. UHE of Peru appointed him as a World Ambassador for Peace and Justice 2026.Valiant of the Nation Award 2026 on the eve of the 129th birthday commemoration for Subash Chandra Bose.

INTERNATIONAL BOOKS

1.Psalm of the Soul 2. Rise of New Dawn 3. Secret Of Torment 4. Everything I Never Told You. 5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata 6.100 Shadows of Dream 7. Timeless Anguish 8. Voice of Silence 9.I Cross my Heart from East to West and epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines, published in USA.

Construction Stuff

    When I think of construction

   I think of grunting, spitting and hollering,

        Men in overalls strutting slouching, pointing,

 I think of laying floors, plastering walls, sanding

I think of breaking down left wing panels and

       Wallpapering right wing partition fortifications

  I think of painting over things past to create 

            A pseudo phantasm of things present

               I think of cladding, wrapping pipes and erecting pipe ducts

                  Pounding steel rods into reluctantly receptive grounds

  Constructing precarious structures that might soon

  Crumble under Mount Vesuvius like destruction of

       A Roman city in seventy-nine Anno Domini…

   Or is this simply a construction of the deconstruction of

  A soon to be dissolution of our democracy?!

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

THE MAN WHO DIDN’T MAKE IT HOME FROM THE BAR

On the riverbank,

lies your half-life,

a drunken curve,

a dead-breathing breast.

Waltzing home 

on tiptoes of booze,

you land like a corpse

by the gurgling stream.

Come morning,

the search party sets out,

your wife, your kids,

find you with your vomit

in a gray pool 

around your mouth.

The question is

who loves you?

Some still do.

Some stop that very moment.

FIGHT OVER A GIRL

Both without fathers, both poor,

like brothers except we were punching each other.

But isn’t that what some brothers do?

I scratched him up a little.

He bloodied my nose, bruised a cheek.

Then I shoved him against a wall.

And he thumped me back.

All that touching, all that rage,

it could have felt intimate

but didn’t.

Both of us keen on a cheerleader.

What do you make of that kind of love?

Laughter mostly.

I hit him in the eye accidentally.

He begged me to stop. And so I stopped.

RAINING IN THE INNER CITY

Another drive-by,

another homeless guy 

fished out of the river,

three in the morning,

the inner city’s black eye,

my stream of consciousness

has been dammed up,

it’s raining waterfalls,

the gutters are ocean deep,

the clubs are closed,

the last bass solo

is played in a backstage

dressing room,

nothing’s new

but everything is curious

in its way,

late February,

so many rabbit holes

under an awning

drum my fingers 

on a store window,

can’t find the melody,

long for a beer,

the night has me on call

if a line of poetry is needed,

like a lit candle

in a blowing wind,

or a eulogy 

to the stranger

whose body has not been

discovered yet.

LEAVING TOWN

She’s wearing this green skirt

and blue and white sweater,

standing outside a convenience store

that also doubles now and then

as a bus stop.

A battered suitcase stands to attention

on either side of her.

She keeps looking east,

the direction her transport 

should be coming from.

It’s early November 

and the wind is blowing in from 

the cornfields, cold and bitter.

But there comes a time

where staying makes no sense

and leaving, even without 

any kind of plan, is the only option.

Maybe she knows someone 

where she’s going.

Maybe she has prospects.

Or could be a destination 

caught her eye 

for no other reason than

she likes the name.

At last, she sees the bus 

half a mile in the distance

and headed her way.

She grabs the handles of her cases.

Her grip is tighter

than it has ever been.

THIRD FUNERAL THIS YEAR

I’m at a funeral of someone I barely know.
He’s a third cousin of my wife or something.
She hardly knows him either.
The death of strangers…it’s a family thing.

We sit in the rear of the church,
far away from the teary ones
who actually knew the guy.
We’re sad for them. It’s the best we can do.

Then it’s to the cemetery.
We’re so far back of the hearse,
it’s like we’re at the head
of someone else’s procession.

We pray at the gravesite,
pray that no one asks who we are.
Then it’s back to the house for
catered devils eggs and chicken salad sandwiches.

Even my wife isn’t sure if it’s
the right house or not.
But there’s one of her aunts.
“He was only fifty-five,” she says.

Or at least, that’s what her third cousin
told her nephew-in-law.
An hour later, we leave,
thinking to ourselves, someone died

and we’re just moderately upset.
Ah death, if only you would keep your distance thus.
Like a third cousin or something.
And on my wife’s side.

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Midnight Mind, Trampoline and Flights. Latest books, “Bittersweet”, “Subject Matters” and “Between Two Fires” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in Levitate, White Wall Review and Willow Review.