A Memory Engraved on the Heart

It’s true that every creative person has their own quirks. If that weren’t the case, why did I always go to the fields with my father, who was 70 years old, when I was 50? The poppies lay scattered across the green fields like beautiful carpets. You are unlikely to come across such stunning landscapes even in fairy tales.

Spring comes extraordinarily to Zaamin; the whole nature turns green. The most spoiled season of the year ─ spring ─ shares all its beauty with the environment without jealousy: poppies, tulips, harebells, and many other spring flowers. After seeing them, your eyes shine, your soul is seized, and you forget all the worries of life. You don’t want to leave such a soulful place.

─Dad, may I run barefoot through these flowers?

My kind father, whose back is stooped with age, said:

─Sure, but what about your feet? Won’t they catch cold? Although the earth’s surface is warm, there is still crust, honey!”

I can’t stand to listen till the end of my father’s words, I ran into the fields. I picked a variety of flowers ─ poppies until my arms were full. I felt nature, smelled the flowers, and was enchanted by the beauty of it all. I wished this beauty would remain forever, and that the strong mountains ─ my parents ─ would always be with me! When you are tired of life’s hardships and betrayals, you can always run through the fields, hug your parents, and return to your childhood. Ah, my sweet dreams, pure wishes!

There are four seasons, and spring comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Human life is just like that: it flows like a river and fades like a flame. When you try to hold onto it, you don’t even notice how quickly the years slip away.

My dad was as satisfied with the environment and full of life as I was. He held harebells and poppies in his hands:

─ Honey, there is no natural beauty like Zaamin’s. If you breathe this fresh air even once, you can live enthusiastically all year long, can’t you? The pure air and wonderful nature of the village not only strengthen the body but also fill hearts with kindness.

Ah, my God, I have seen many springs without my dad. Thanks to the patience and willpower You gave me, I return to that village where my father once walked. The whole field has turned green. The flowers are as beautiful as ever. The sun is shining, and the air is still pure. I run into the fields to pick flowers: harebells, poppies, tulips. But… something feels missing… I want to cry automatically:

─ Dad, I know you’re here now, because… you love the village in spring, don’t you? And… you’re together with this nature, right? There are flowers in your hands… You said the human soul lives forever, so you’re with us, you’re watching me, aren’t you? You still care about me and pray for me, don’t you, my dear?

Narınisa Kasımova was born on June 2, 1969, in Yom village, Zomin district, Jizzakh region, Republic of Uzbekistan. In 1983, she graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Tashkent State University. She is the chief specialist of the Syrdarya regional branch of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan.  

Her published works include: “Words of the Heart” (1984), “Longing” (2000), “I Search” (2019), a collection of stories and short stories; “Unaccumulated Meadow” (2010), “Foreign Sky” (2014), “The Woman of Syrdarya” seasons one and two (2011-2013), “A Bouquet of Flowers” (2014), and “Piri Kamil Elders” (2016).  

She was awarded the “Fame” medal. She is a member of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan. Below, you will read my story translated by Ilasheva Guljaxon Tulqinʼs daughter.