In a small village lived two little brothers, Idil and Imir. Alongside the brothers were their elderly grandfather, a fat cow, and a constantly meowing kitten. Both brothers were very mischievous children. While their grandfather worked in the fields, they would jump and play around him, and the old man, watching their joy, would smile to himself.
Days passed, and for twelve months of the year, the grandfather never rested. Every autumn, he would take Idil and Imir to the city and buy them new clothes and toys. The children were always thrilled to go to the city. Surrounded by forests, the village was so isolated that they would wait an entire year for that one trip to town. They would pester their grandfather constantly:
“Grandpa, when will autumn come? Why doesn’t autumn come twice a year?”
They never let the old man rest with such questions.
The village was located in the farthest corner of the country, surrounded by forests and valleys, and it had fallen far behind in terms of development. It was as if this place had been left behind by time, frozen and forgotten. Things that were invented long ago in the city would only reach their village a year or two later. Life itself – and the government too – seemed to have forgotten this place. The people lived and died in their own way, unnoticed by the world.
Whenever Idil and Imir went to the city, it felt as if they had entered an entirely different world.
Seasons changed, and finally, autumn came. The old grandfather joined the other villagers, and together with Idil and Imir, they set out for the city. After eight days of travel, they arrived in the city just in time for lunch. As they reached the central school, the bell began to ring.
“Jingle-jingle”
Like a dam bursting through the river, the children poured into the schoolyard.
Idil and Imir stood in awe, watching the children – clean, neat, and dressed identically. Their old grandfather tugged at their sleeves.
“Come on, let’s not fall behind. We still have a lot to buy.”
“Grandpa, what is that?”
As the children followed their grandfather, they couldn’t take their eyes off their peers. Their games seemed completely different, fascinating. Had they ever seen such things before?
The grandfather and the boys wandered around the market. They bought everything they needed. But neither Idil nor Imir could forget the children in matching uniforms.
The villagers began preparing for the journey back home. The boys longed to pass by that same place again, to see those children one more time, but the guide led them down a completely different street.
At last, everyone returned home, riding carts full of gifts and purchases, satisfied. Yet this time, Idil and Imir were not jumping for joy as they usually did.
“Grandpa,” Idil nudged the old man, “what was that place, where the children were?”
The grandfather’s expression darkened. His already wrinkled face tightened further in thought.
“That… that’s a school.”
“A school?!”
“Yes.”
“What do they do there?”
“They study.”
“What is studying?”
“Studying is…” the old man’s face scrunched even more, “…where they write, draw, and do things like that.”
Others joined in the conversation between the old man and the boys. Everyone started talking about things they had never seen with their own eyes.
“They say they beat children in school!”
“No way…”
Sitting on the edge of the cart was a small-framed young man whose face was covered with large blotches. He started an intriguing conversation.
“Could it really be that they beat them?!”
“Yes, with a long stick, they say,” someone replied.
Idil was intrigued by this.
“Does everyone go to school?” he asked.
“Everyone does,” the same young man answered.
“Then why don’t we go? We’re people too, aren’t we?”
“Because we don’t have a school,” said a fat man with a large belly, laughing as if he had just told the funniest joke. But when he saw that no one else was laughing, he gave a little cough and fell silent.
The cart rolled along slowly. Stars twinkled above. Just like their owners, the horses pulling the cart walked with their heads lowered. Everyone was quiet, walking with their heads down. Even Idil and Imir could feel deep inside that it wasn’t the right moment to ask any more questions.
The cart driver finally lost his patience and flicked his whip, urging the horses forward.
“Chuv! Move, you creatures, chuv!”
“Where are the spirited young men of this golden valley? Where are the beautiful maidens of these homes…?”
He began to sing the familiar song at the top of his voice. The others joined in chorus. It was such a relief – everyone had secretly longed to escape the heavy burden of those difficult questions. As if released from a weight pressing down on their shoulders, their faces lit up. Cheerfully, they continued on their way. There was bread, there was water – the days passed. Who really needed school anyway?
Only Idil, Imir, and the old grandfather did not smile. His stern face grew darker still. A sorrowful look settled in his eyes.
Finally, they arrived home. Idil and Imir fell asleep. But the old grandfather did not sleep. Early in the morning, the children woke to a stir of noise. Something was happening.
Their grandfather was gathering things into a sack. From outside came the voice of the cart driver:
“Hey, old man! Why are you bothering me at the crack of dawn? I haven’t even recovered from yesterday’s exhaustion.”
“Take me to the city.”
“To the city? But we just came back yesterday.”
Just then, the fat man from yesterday entered, holding a small bag. He handed it to the grandfather.
“Your house wasn’t really worth this much – but since you’re my neighbor, fine. Still, why are you selling it?”
“I’m leaving.”
“Seriously? Where to?”
“To school!”
At the grandfather’s words, both the neighbor and the cart driver burst out laughing.
But the old man ignored them and began dressing his grandchildren. The boys were overjoyed.
At last, the cart driver, sensing the seriousness of the situation, tried to talk the old man out of it.
“Come on now, could we really go to school? Look at those who left before – none of them came back. The city’s not like the village. The city is heartless.”
“Are you taking us or not?” the grandfather stared straight at him.
Realizing it was useless to argue, the cart driver gave in.
“Fine… but you’ll pay me more.”
“Alright.”
The villagers came out to see them off. Some, with tears in their eyes, wished them good luck; others scoffed and chuckled with disbelief.
On the cart sat Old Grandpa, the little brothers Idil and Imir, their constantly meowing kitten, and the cart driver. The fat cow had been sold to the fat neighbor.
The old man turned to look at the village fading into the distance and said:
“Someone has to begin…”
But no one heard his voice except himself. Then, glancing at his two hopeful, dream-filled grandchildren who reminded him of his younger days, he smiled.
“They’re not like me,” he whispered.
With pride, the old man raised his humble head – something he had never done before. The road was long ahead, but now it was time to prove to the world that they too existed, that they too mattered.
At that very moment, in a small home back in the village, a young bride hung a tiny clock on the wall – a wedding gift from her husband.
“Tick.” “Tick.” Time began to count the seconds.
Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz Saidakhmadovan was born on December 27, 2002, in Sirdarya region. She is currently pursuing an incomplete higher education. In 2020, she graduated from the specialized boarding school for English language in Mirzaobod district. She is now a 4th-year student at the Nizami Tashkent State Pedagogical University. In 2021, she became the winner of the regional stage and a participant of the national stage in the prose category of the “Duel” Republican Creative Contest.
The Biological Importance of Sleep and Its Connection with Stress
Introduction
Relevance of the Topic:
In modern life, due to changes in people’s lifestyles, increased speed, technological influences, and psychological pressure, serious problems with the quality and quantity of sleep have emerged. Lack of sleep leads to both physical and psychological changes in the body, particularly increasing stress levels. Sleep and stress are closely interconnected—one can be the cause or result of the other.
Purpose of the Project:
The main purpose of this project is to study the biological importance of sleep for the human body and to analyze the connection between sleep and stress. In addition, the project aims to examine the negative impact of chronic and continuous stress on health based on scientific articles and research findings.
Research Methods:
Books, scientific articles, statistical data, and practical experiments.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Biological Importance of Sleep
What is Sleep?
Types of Sleep: REM and NON-REM
Health Benefits of Quality Sleep
The Effect of Sleep on Memory
Chapter 2: Stress and Its Biological Foundations
What is Stress?
Effects of Stress on the Body
Types of Stress
Recommendations for Overcoming Stress
Chapter 3: The Interconnection Between Sleep and Stress
How Stress Disrupts Sleep
Scientific Research: For example, a 2018 study involving 549 participants
How Sleep Deprivation Increases Stress Levels
Chapter 1: The Biological Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a vital physiological condition controlled by the central nervous system during which the body and brain rest and recover. It regularly occurs throughout a person’s life and is extremely important for maintaining good health. Sleep is an active physiological process—meaning the body doesn’t completely shut down but internal systems shift and regenerate.
During sleep, a person becomes less responsive to external stimuli and is not in a conscious state, yet not completely “switched off.” The brain processes information during sleep, strengthens memory, produces hormones, and repairs tissues.
Sleep reduces stress, enhances memory and learning, maintains heart function, boosts immunity, and restores the nervous system. One interesting fact about sleep is that a third of our lives—about 25 years—is spent sleeping. Sleep is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and insomnia. According to traffic authority statistics, fatigue and sleep deprivation are among the leading causes of road accidents. The record for the longest time without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes. The person who set the record reported hallucinations, paranoia, vision issues, speech problems, difficulty concentrating, and memory decline.
Inventors like Edison, Da Vinci, Franklin, Tesla, and Churchill reportedly slept less than the average but still felt healthy. There are several stages of sleep:
Stage 1: Transition from wakefulness to sleep. The person may deny they were sleeping if awakened.
Stage 2: After about 20 minutes, light sleep begins and makes up about half of total sleep time. If awakened, the person can easily fall back asleep. This may repeat several times during the day.
Stage 3: Deep sleep. The brain starts to rest, but not completely—it still monitors other organs.
Stage 4: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The shortest stage, but when we dream.
How much sleep does a healthy person need? Consistent lack of sleep negatively affects the immune system and reduces hormone production, which can disrupt the nervous system. Sleeping less than 5–5.5 hours for 3 consecutive nights can result in symptoms similar to total sleep deprivation.
Lack of sleep can cause dull eyes, brittle hair and skin. A person who passes through all 4 stages of sleep and wakes up refreshed has had truly restorative rest.
Sleep Stages:
NON-REM Sleep (3 stages): The body rests, heart rate slows.
REM Sleep: Dreaming occurs, the brain is highly active, while the body remains still.
Benefits of Quality Sleep:
Improves brain function
Supports cardiovascular health
Maintains hormonal balance
Reduces stress and stabilizes mental state
Chapter 2: Stress and Its Biological Foundations
Stress is a physiological and psychological response of the body to external or internal threats, pressure, fear, pain, or tension.
There are various scientific explanations for stress. One of the most popular is Hans Selye’s theory, which states that the body has mechanisms to maintain balance. Strong and prolonged external and internal stressors can disrupt this balance. In response, the body activates high-level defense and adaptation mechanisms. This adaptive reaction is known as stress.
Stress symptoms can be physiological, psychological, behavioral, or pathological, and are often accompanied by emotional tension.
Common signs of stress:
Physiological Signs: Increased heart and breathing rate, facial flushing or paleness, sweating, increased adrenaline levels.
As N.X. Kirvin stated, “Stress is everywhere—it is the shadow of life. Some benefit from it and use it to reach success, while for others, it causes harm.”
Types of Stress:
Eustress: Positive stress, such as the pressure before an exam that boosts performance.
Distress: Negative stress, which harms health due to prolonged fear and anxiety.
Chronic Stress: Long-term stress that lowers immunity and causes depression and sleep disorders.
Ways to Reduce Stress:
Quality sleep (7–8 hours), regular exercise
Breathing exercises, meditation
Engaging in enjoyable activities
Sleep deprivation increases stress hormone levels in the body.
Conclusion:
The connection between sleep and stress is a complex system where both conditions directly influence each other. Developing stress management skills and reducing negative internal thoughts can help prevent sleep-related problems. This project has demonstrated that sleep is vital to human health and is closely linked to stress.
My name is Boyqobilova Nargiz Alimardonovna. I was born on September 8, 2001, in Oqorbulok neighborhood, Oltinsoy district, Surxondaryo region. I am 25 years old. Currently, I am the beloved daughter of my parents and my parents-in-law, the cherished daughter-in-law of the family, and a loving wife to my husband. I am also the proud mother of two sweet daughters. I am a 3rd-year student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, majoring in Biology at Termez State University.
COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE.
Annotation: In recent years, CLT has become one of the most effective and popular methods in English language teaching. So, this article discusses the basic principles and practical application of the communicative language teaching (CLT) method, which is widely used in English language teaching. The article emphasizes the importance of real-life communication and interactivity between students in language learning. It also explains the basics of the CLT method – such as focusing on fluency, meaningful communication and student-centered teaching. The article describes how students’ communicative competence can be developed through classroom activities such as role-playing games and group discussions. Finally, the advantages of the CLT method are emphasized – it helps to develop motivation, self-confidence and fluency. This article may be useful for English language teachers and students preparing to become teachers.
One of the most important and fundamental principles of CLT is to learn a language through real-life interactions, not just by memorizing grammar rules. This method focuses on speaking clearly and fluently rather than on grammatical errors. In CLT, the teacher plays a key role in helping students use the language in a purposeful and meaningful way. Unlike traditional, teacher-centered approaches, CLT is student-centered, meaning students are very active participants. For example, instead of translating sentences based on certain rules, students are asked to tell their partner their daily routine or talk about topics they encounter in everyday life. In such situations, students learn to use the language naturally and can speak confidently in real-life situations.
A range of classroom exercises are used in Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) to motivate students to interact and have meaningful conversations. The exercises are intended to give students useful English assistance while reflecting real-world scenarios. Role-playing, group discussions, pair work, problem-solving exercises, and information gap exercises are among the most popular activities. Instead of merely memorising or repeating grammar, these exercises enable students to actively engage with the language. For instance, in a role-playing game, one student assumes the role of a user administrator, while the other assumes the role of a user registering. This enables students to engage in communicative tasks by posing, observing, or asking questions that are relevant to everyday circumstances. Information exchange exercises are another popular approach, in which students are given a portion of the material and must communicate with one another in English to finish the task. These kinds of activities add interest and effectiveness to the language learning process. For instance, whereas one student might have a list of travel-related activities, another might have a bus schedule. When answering questions about vacation planning, they will need to use verb tenses, everyday vocabulary, and other language. Students gain confidence, teamwork, speaking and listening skills, and the capacity to think in English through these interactive, goal-oriented activities. Through these exercises, they improve their real-world language skills and get ready for successful communication outside of the classroom.
For language learners of all ages, the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach offers a number of significant benefits that make it enjoyable in addition to being effective. Its ability to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment is among its most significant benefits. Students can express themselves freely and develop confidence in such a setting. This lessens the anxiety that comes with making mistakes when learning a language. Students practise more and progressively improve their fluency when they are not afraid to speak.
Second, the CLT approach enhances students’ communication abilities, particularly their capacity for listening and speaking clearly. In a pair assignment, for instance, students are tasked with organising a trip together. They are compelled to discuss subjects like time, travel, and competition, which leads to meaningful language learning. CLT’s capacity to inspire students and heighten their interest in the lesson is another significant benefit. because the tasks are frequently enjoyable, creative, or relatable to real life.
Students are inspired to be more active as a result. They consequently take charge of their language proficiency development and engage in the active learning process. The CLT approach also helps students improve their problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking abilities. They practise speaking up, listening to others, sharing ideas, and coming up with solutions when they work in groups. These “soft” skills are crucial for academic and professional settings in addition to language learning. Generally speaking, CLT gives students critical social skills that are necessary in everyday life in addition to language.
In conclusion, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a strong and useful method that is changing the way English is taught and learnt. CLT helps students become more fluent, confident, and practical with their language skills by having them learn through real-life situations. It helps with language skills as well as social, cognitive, and emotional growth through activities that involve the learner and methods that focus on the learner. As methods for teaching languages change, CLT is still a useful and inspiring way to teach people how to communicate effectively in today’s world. Because of this, CLT should be the main focus of English classes today.
References:
1.Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
2.Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
3.Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
4.Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching (4th ed.). Pearson Longman.
5.Littlewood, W. (2004). The Task-Based Approach: Some Questions and Suggestions. ELT Journal, 58(4), 319–326.
6.Savignon, S. J. (2002). Interpreting Communicative Language Teaching: Contexts and Concerns in Teacher Education. Yale University Press.
7.Nunan, D. (1991). Language Teaching Methodology: A Textbook for Teachers. Prentice Hall.
8.Scrivener, J. (2011). Learning Teaching: The Essential Guide to English Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Macmillan Education.
Panoyeva Jasmina O’tkirovna was born November 14, 2006, in the Shofirkon district of Bukhara region. She graduated with a gold medal from School No. 13 in Shofirkhon, demonstrating academic excellence and dedication.
Currently, she is a first-year student at Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute, majoring in Foreign Languages and Literature. Jasmina is an intellectually curious and active young woman who regularly participates in the Zakovat intellectual game, showcasing her critical thinking and broad knowledge.
In addition to her academic and intellectual pursuits, Jasmina has also contributed as a volunteer to several environmental projects, reflecting her strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to sustainable development.
With her passion for learning and active involvement in both academic and social initiatives, Jasmina continues to grow as a promising and motivated student, ready to make meaningful contributions to her field and community.
A woman is an embodiment of endless courage, a symbol of beauty, and the flower of society. Though she may carry the burdens of the world behind her smile and feel hunger herself, she strives to show fullness for the sake of her children. She is a creation perfectly and beautifully made, capable of subduing sultans and elevating servants to the status of kings. When we hear the word “woman,” an image of a graceful figure full of unique qualities and strength immediately comes to mind.
Now I want to ask: *What is a courageous woman? What kind of image does the phrase “courageous woman” evoke in your mind?* I approached these questions and the role of women in society by portraying them through the figure of one woman.
Imagine a fragile girl deprived of her father’s love since birth, forced to live away from her siblings, and separated from her mother during the sweetest moments of her life under various oppressions. Although she may seem mature outwardly, she remains a delicate soul deprived of parental affection. Can you imagine how deeply painful such a fate is? Such hardships are trials of destiny.
The most important thing is that in such moments, a person must remain patient and never give up. She was always grateful even in the hardest times, believing that these were trials sent by God and that their rewards would be great.
For example, despite the disapproval of her close ones, she did not surrender and, while appearing to be going to work every day, she took entrance exams for the university she desired. To everyone’s surprise, she was admitted to a state-funded pedagogy program in Physics and Informatics!
Here, I want to highlight the insightful words of Chingiz Aytmatov, who said: “When I speak of an ideal woman, I always put intellectuality first. Mental capacity, of course, too. The ideal is formed gradually, based on long and numerous observations.”
Indeed, to call someone ideal, we must consider that she has been shaped and refined through life’s continuous challenges. However, fate did not always grant her peaceful days. After marriage, she faced separation from her siblings and had to move to a distant region. She endured numerous hardships and even escaped death several times.
Not only did she lose her loved ones, but constant separation from her fragile infants exhausted her immensely. Yet, these hardships strengthened her resilience and motivated her to strive to rise from the boiling cauldron of cruelty. It is often said that every difficulty carries some good within it.
By God’s will, she overcame all obstacles and now feels His boundless mercy, raising her two children with love and instilling good values in them. For 30 years, she has been working in her field, contributing greatly to the development of society and setting a worthy example.
This woman is my jewel, my paradise — my mother. For me, she is the most unique and courageous woman, the ideal human being, and no words can fully express her beauty. She is my light — my mother.
Not only for me but for all humanity, a mother is the most revered figure. We all understand well the invaluable role of mothers in our lives, and through my mother’s life journey, I have realized how powerful mothers truly are.With this short story, I want to say that women are not as weak as some may think. On the contrary, they are strong and perfect individuals capable of achieving every dream they set their minds to and even more. Therefore, every woman holds an invaluable place in society.
I can say this through the example of my mother, Baymuratova Salomat, who, with her patience and courage, overcame all obstacles in her life and reached great heights.
As E. Senankur pointed out: *“If our hearts are pure, the word ‘woman’ becomes a symbol of grandeur for us.”*
By the way, the importance of respecting women has been emphasized by Lope De Vega, who said that *“Respecting a woman is a duty that every sincere person should observe from birth.”* Amir Temur also highlighted this by saying, *“I tried to treat women as kindly as possible.”*
Indeed, women are the backbone of a nation. Every woman, through the upbringing she gives to her children, either lays the foundation for a bright future country or ruins its promising prospects.
Because a woman’s nature is strong, she is capable of performing both noble deeds and, unfortunately, crafty acts. Therefore, the place of women in our society is invaluable.
The Qur’an also recognizes how honorable and precious women are. No matter how much we cherish and respect them, it will never be enough.
After all, Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.
For this reason, I want to express my deepest respect and love to all women, to the unique mothers, and to my own sun-like mother, the source of kindness and warmth in my heart.
My teachers Shokhida Yusupova, Laylo Bakhtiyorova, Sarvinoz Xasanovna, Asrorova Gavhar, Raxmonqulova Saida, and Yaxshiboyeva Yulduz, as well as my hardworking sister Feruza Turdiboyeva, the winner of the “Woman of the Year 2021” contest, all hold invaluable places in my life and in my journey to become a useful member of society.
Moreover, thanks to the initiatives of our country’s leadership, the high attention paid to women is continuously increasing our role in society’s governance, and all the created opportunities are yielding positive results.
Every woman’s awareness of her rights and finding a worthy place in society is a key step towards the rise and progress of every nation.
Bibixanifa Jumanazarova Uktam’s daughter was born on May 15, 2007, in Zomin district, Jizzakh region. She is the holder of multiple international certificates. Additionally, she holds a B2 level CEFR certificate in English and a B+ level national certificate in Uzbek language. Due to her excellent academic achievements, she graduated from school with a gold medal.
She is the author of The Diamond Pages anthology and has written numerous scientific and journalistic articles.
A second before the world ends, I caught a cat in the act— carefully building a nest for a pregnant dove, bit by bit…
Right then, a politician sneezed on his way out of peace talks that had birthed eight wars and five famines.
My dead father asked: “What are you doing? Come on, you’ll be here with me soon enough…”
I turned his word “there” over in my head. Will I return to my mother’s womb? Go to some nameless place? Become a fish with wings and one lone eye in the middle of its head?
I’m not trying to sound surreal— That’s just where my thoughts live since I graduated from public high school.
Maybe it’s the government schooling. Maybe the dirty water. Maybe racism. Maybe the fear of belonging to any “minority.”
Before I go, I plan to release a poetry album. Free entry for all. And at every reading, I’ll kiss the hands of infants, of the mad, of women whose men still ridicule the shape of their breasts or the bags beneath their eyes.
My father’s calling again— this time, with mango gelato. He wants me quickly. I’m not sure what the hurry is.
A second before it’s all over, my neighbors wrapped their heads in papyrus, claiming it’s the only cure for the “migraine of civilizations.”
Then the monkey—“Mousa”— leapt into my chest and said: “I write poetry too.”
I saw the sky fall and shrink down to the size of a fingertip.
My father called out again: “I’m coming!”
I say it too, as I write this final poem— hallucinating.
When My Arm Flew Into the Air
When my arm flew into the air, I calmed myself by believing I must be dreaming. Any moment now, I would wake to the sound of the gecko that’s been living in my room for the past four months.
I haven’t killed it. I don’t want to.
I didn’t feel like I was flying. I felt like I was disappearing.
You know that strange training— when you teach your body to die, and bit by bit, you start to feel each part fade?
I smelled the okra stew our ninety-year-old neighbor was cooking. I saw a large yellow butterfly telling a joke in Salvador Dalí’s ear.
He was trapped inside a painting hanging across from the neighbors’ window. I saw him laugh.
And I thought: He really was mad. Or maybe I’m the mad one.
It’s not easy to watch your arm lift off into the air. Not easy to ask: Did you really detach from my body? and hear it answer in a voice beyond logic— the voice of a muffled child, as if his parents had rushed the burial, believed he was gone too soon, sealed the coffin, and drove away.
When my arm flew up, I thought: This is delirium. Maybe I’m dying. Maybe I’m about to write a new poem— one that will be rejected by many editors but adored by one person, who will carve it into the bark of a massive fig tree.
And after he walks home, the fig tree will stir from its long sleep and finish writing the rest of the poem.
I don’t know exactly what happened. But I do know this:
Whatever part of you flies off becomes braver than it ever was before.
Yesterday, I Met My Jinn Double
Yesterday, I met my jinn double. Her fingers were shaped like forks. She smiled at me three times— with an upside-down mouth.
The roughness of her skin reminded me of the last time I touched a leaf with my bare hand. A long time ago, back when trees could still be touched, back when trees belonged to the earth. Back when grape clusters were earrings— and ropes to escape.
I knelt before her and whispered: “How many times have they killed you?” And I heard the echo: “How many times have they killed me?”
I’m not her. I don’t want to be her. I’m free. I flutter from flower to flower, tasting mulberries, playing with clay.
She points to the moon, trying to pull it down with a rope. I got scared. I wet myself.
I’m not a child— but fear makes everyone do that. The baby next door does it. So did my grandfather— and he was a bank manager.
No one is bigger than fear.
She comes closer. Her feet were shaped like hooks. I step back. Then again. And again— until I disappear.
