From the unpublished book: Cancers Like Plastic Flowers (2026)
Look at me, Homeland and take my tears to wipe away the pain of your heroes.
Look at the streets the palms, face down children without horizons alienated and in darkness in front of a cellphone.
Look at me, Homeland I survive point-blank shots facing the sun and without bars in my mind with my flag in pieces but on my chest.
Here I am in front of the lighthouse my only rhetoric −ours− only rhetoric is to continue being free.
Free without fear without feeling embarrassed for others.
Free without a Homeland that burns every afternoon with great difficulty in soot-stained homes without the laughter of before.
Here I am behind the fence standing surrounded by barbed wire watching the paths full of lovelessness without the cowbell because my freedom flies over the world map.
English Translation by Leidy Díaz Hevia, Cuba.
Del libro inédito: Cánceres como flores de plástico (2026)
Mírame Patria
y toma mis lágrimas
para enjuagar el dolor
de tus héroes.
Mira las calles
las palmas, bocabajo
los niños sin horizontes
enajenados y a oscuras
frente a un celular.
Mírame Patria
sobrevivo a quemarropas
de frente al sol
y sin barrotes en la mente
con mi bandera en pedazos
pero en el pecho.
Aquí estoy frente al faro
mi única retórica
−nuestra−
única
retórica
es seguir siendo libres.
Libres
sin miedo
sin sentir vergüenza
ajena.
Libres
sin una Patria
que arde cada tarde
a duras penas
en hogares tiznados
sin la risa de antes.
Aquí estoy
detrás de la cerca
de pie
rodeada de alambres
mirando los caminos
llenos de desamor
sin el cencerro
porque mi libertad
vuela sobre el mapamundi.
Yuray Tolentino Hevia (Güira de Melena, Cuba, January 31, 1975).
Poet, screenwriter, curator, art critic and producer. He graduated from the Bachelor of Sociocultural Studies and Art Direction. His work has been published in different magazines, newspapers and poetry and narrative anthologies in Cuba, Spain, Argentina, Francia, Indonesia, Chile, the United States, Italy, Puerto Rico, Alemania, Indonesia, Canadá, Colombia, República Dominicana, and Mexico. He has published seven books.
International Award “Tulliola – Renato Filippelli”, 2020, Italy. Mention of Merit in the III Edition of the International Poetry and Photography Award “Diversità come Ricchezza”, Italy, 2021. VIII Edition of the International Award of Excellence “Ciudad del Galateo-Antonio De Ferrariis”, 2021, Italy. First Prize in Poetry of the International Contest of the Foundation Literary International (Cuba – Holland), 2021. Mention of Merit in the II International Poetry Contest “Poets for Peace and Freedom”, 2021, Italy. Since April 2018, she works at the International Film and Television School (EICTV) of San Antonio de los Baños as a producer.
The Impact of Social Media on Youth: Problems, Analysis, and Solutions
Xayitova Mehribon
Introduction
The 21st century is the era of information technologies and digital communication. The Internet and social media have rapidly become an integral part of human life. Nowadays, young people spend a significant part of their day in the virtual space. This has a substantial impact on their thinking, worldview, and behavior. Therefore, the influence of social media on youth is not only a pedagogical and psychological issue but also a socially significant problem.
Main Part
1. Positive Effects of Social Media
Modern social platforms create vast opportunities for young people. Primarily, they serve as a rapid source of information. Youth can stay informed about global events, learn scientific and popular knowledge, and broaden their intellectual horizons.
Moreover, social media:
expands access to distance learning;
helps learn foreign languages;
provides a platform for creative expression;
offers exposure to different professional fields.
Especially during the pandemic, social media and online platforms became a crucial component of the education system, demonstrating their positive potential.
2. Negative Effects and Risk Factors
At the same time, social media has negative aspects that significantly affect youth consciousness. One major problem is time mismanagement — many young people spend hours consuming unproductive content.
Another critical issue is exposure to false or harmful information. Not all online content is reliable, and the inability to differentiate can lead to poor decision-making.
Additionally:
excessive immersion in virtual life;
mental stress from comparing oneself with others;
cyberbullying;
weakening real-life communication skills
are widely observed.
Psychological studies show that social media addiction can lead to decreased attention span, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased stress levels.
3. The Role of Social Environment in Shaping Youth
From a scientific perspective, adolescence is a crucial stage in personality formation. At this age, values, attitudes, and social positions are established. Social media plays a strong external influence in this process.
If young people engage with useful, educational, and informative content, it positively affects their development. Conversely, shallow or harmful content negatively impacts their mindset. Therefore, social media can be considered a double-edged sword.
4. Solutions and Recommendations
Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach. First, it is essential to develop information literacy among youth. Every young person must be able to critically evaluate the information encountered online.
The following measures can be effective:
parental guidance and proper supervision;
incorporating media literacy education in schools and universities;
promoting quality and beneficial content;
organizing meaningful leisure activities for youth.
Additionally, involving young people in sports, reading, and creative activities can reduce social media over-dependence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media is a vital component of modern society that strongly influences youth. Using its positive potential wisely while minimizing its negative effects is a pressing contemporary task.
The key points are:
fostering independent thinking in youth;
developing the ability to distinguish reliable information;
maintaining a balance between virtual and real-life activities.
Addressing these challenges is the responsibility of each member of society.
(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.
I left my classes and hurried home, For I missed my paradise so much. With longing in my eyes I opened the door, But found my mother in the cotton fields.
I entered the house and spread the table, My stomach was empty, I prepared some food. If I did not return for dinner, My mother would wait with hardened bread.
I called her once in between, She could not answer, I could not reach her. After some time from an unknown number, My phone began to ring.
I picked up and said hello, It was my mother, and I was stunned. While I sat in a cool and quiet room, My mother was picking cotton in the heat.
Her legs ache, her body is weak, Her delicate hands are wounded and cracked. The pains and sorrows that trouble my mother, Let them come to me, but do not hurt her.
Her hair has turned white, wrinkles mark her face, Yet even so, she remains my paradise. While her peers wear fine silk and satin, My mother’s head is never free from hardship.
My goal is to build a beautiful life for you, One that suits only you and your comfort. But if from now on I remain a burden to you, Mother, please do not call me your child.
J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is old enough to know where the bodies are buried. The three- time Best of The Net nominee and two-time Pushcart Prize nominee lives with his disabled mother in Ohio. He’s been widely published over the years, most recently at Yellow Mama, The Rye Whiskey Review, Night Owl Narrative, Disturb the Universe Magazine and The Beatnik Cowboy. His latest book, to live your dreams, published by Whiskey City Press, is available on Amazon.com. for more info on the book, go here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245883678-to-live-your-dreams.
