My trip to the Amudarya district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan prompted me to write an article on this topic. At the entrance to the Amudarya district, I watched the surroundings with interest as the cars moved slowly along the Panton Bridge (a floating bridge designed for the passage of people and vehicles) over the Amudarya.
The bridge is a little old (built in 1938) and due to its narrowness, cars pass in a row. At the beginning of the bridge, a beautiful wall like a tall monument caught my attention. I was happy to see that “Uzbekistan is the land of the happy” written on this monument. These words did not leave my mind during the whole trip.
Indeed, happy Uzbekistan is the country of the happiest and happiest people. Our country was ranked among the 50 happiest countries out of 156 countries in the world and took 44th place. Among the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Uzbekistan ranks first as the country of the happiest people. On March 20, “World Happiness” published a new report entitled “The happiest Uzbeks among the CIS countries”.
What do we mean by happiness or a happy person? Happiness cannot be measured by wealth.
Happiness is an inner feeling, we cannot grasp it with our hands, but we feel it with our heart. Everyone has a different interpretation of happiness. Happiness can be found only in a country where peace and tranquility prevail. Happy people live free and free in a beautiful land like paradise. The sky of Uzbekistan is clear, the waters are clear, the people are kind and hospitable. If anyone doubts our happiness, let them come to a paradise-like country like Uzbekistan and see with their own eyes that people live happily in the arms of happiness!
During the development of modern technology, the description of beautiful Uzbekistan spread to the whole world. Foreign tourists who have heard about the incomparable beauty of our country dream of traveling to our heavenly homeland. I am proud to be a child of a peaceful and prosperous, beautiful paradise-like country called Uzbekistan, and to be a happy citizen of this country.
Kurbanova Saodat Ismatkulovna
Teacher of school 18, Nishan district, Kashkadarya region, Republic of Uzbekistan
A book statue has been erected in one of the small Norwegian towns. Amazing! “We will remember you, we will not forget you, book” is written on the statue. It’s almost like a memory. This is how they expressed their attitude to the book, what did we do? Like a young child, we are still arguing about whether it is a book or a phone. Although we don’t give children books… we don’t write as many books as before…
Today, “My child looks at the phone a lot, does not read books. There were no current books, is this a book?” there are more people who scold him. There are many parents who say, “Son, read a book.” Many people don’t like me writing about a book when the phone is in fashion. Because they don’t read books themselves.
The girl next door made me write this article. Once when I asked him what book he was reading, he laughed at me strangely, and I will never forget that laugh. The representative of this generation, who has never opened a book other than a textbook, made me uneasy. I’m not feeling well now. In the book… I will not write about the value of the book, how much it is food for human spirituality. After all, a lot has been written about it. I agree with Jorge Luis Borges that heaven must be a place like a book. Because books that most people consider lifeless can prove to them how illiterate they are. There are many such examples today…
“A book should be given to a child at school. If he grows up with a book, he will be a friend even when he grows up. I lead the Kitosevarlar circle. Most of the young people who attend my club read the book for a purpose, not for spiritual pleasure. Someone wants to win a Spark, another wants to study. I am afraid of the need for books for this materiality… I am surprised that some countries still do not give up books. Italians stop watching television for their children after the age of five. In Japan, a seven-year-old child must know at least 10 fairy tales. The use of these methods by the countries that make it possible to read books will be effective if they are introduced to us as well.
Every morning at the table, The bread that my mother covered is only milk. My father opens his hands to pray, Get out of out of our house.
My brother and I hurry to school, My father rides to the office. When watching us, my mother says, May you all return safely.
Elite roads lead us to different destinations, In the dream, the wheel spins in different ways. My heard falls in love with my house, Study and work when finished.
My sister and I will set the table, When he cooks, he brings bread. I look forward to the rest, Even as expected dear guest.
Gathered at the table again, Let’s share the joyful concern. victory over sorrows, The heard is filled with joy and forgets sorrow.
Shahlo Abduhamidova Ergash gril is an 11th grade student of school 54 and a member of “Qaqnus” club of Barkamol Avlod children’s school.
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 Petropolou 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.
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.
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.
WAR IS HELL!
Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Rome!
Persians, Byzantines, Jews, Christians,
Muslims—all have called Jerusalem HOME!
The Islamic Caliphates and Crusaders
Kept war alive!
Ottomans held peace for centuries,
So all believers could thrive.
But then the British came, and WW1.
Ottomans faded, League of Nations survived.
Meanwhile anti-Semitism ranged far and wide.
Russia slaughtered Jews,
Nazis slaughtered Jews,
And Jews—hundreds of thousands—escaped
To Israel to hide.
Now, at last, they had a state—
Except it was imposed on Palestinians
Who had NO STATE.
So Palestinian Hamas brought incredible death--
Atrocity unbelievable--
And Israel—in self-defense—
Has slaughtered thousands and thousands,
Causing protests—ignorant of history—
Around the world!
Offense or defense,
WAR IS HELL!
(And where were the protests
when Russia invaded Ukraine?)
“When I looked again, he was still at it. He was still raping her after he had slaughtered her.” Quote from Raz Cohen, who witnessed Hamas atrocities during the October 7 attack.Ukraina
This poem is about a Ukrainian immigrant couple to California who's memorialized with a plaque in a park on a hiking trail in Hayward.
Weekends,
Early 20th Century,
My grandfather hiked
The Hayward Hills-
Grassy meadows,
Wooded Creekbeds,
Sometimes aiming
For a huge pine,
Visible from afar,
The needled tower
OF UKRAINA RANCH,
Home to Agapius
And Albina
Honcharenko.
A new name
To protect his family,
Ukranian Honcharenko
Had lived his life.
As a man of God,
As a man of honor,
Defying the Tsar
For the rights
Of Russia's serfs,
Writer and publisher
For HUMAN RIGHTS
No matter where he lived,
But always under threat
From the long
And dangerous fingers
Of the Tsar.
1865-ARRESTED
by Russian agents
in Constantinople.
He escaped-in disguise-
To London, New York,
San Francisco,
Hayward,
Escaping a land
Where he was
"stabbed, drugged,
shot,
clubbed like a dog."
1873-PEACE-
And refuge
Developed
In the pastoral beauty
Of Hayward's hills,
Where Agapius and Albina
Could live and farm—
Holding church services
In a cave--
Away
From world evil.
Yet published defiance
Still smuggled to Russia:
Gentle, persistent,
Holy Man,
Humanitarian!
UKRAINA
a California Historic Landmark
HAYWARD HISTORY!
Hope and assurance is the foundation of Mr. Fleury's writing. It is literally a place to guide you to not only find that place of hope within but to explore the truth about who you are to be transformed into a whole being.
Mr. Fleury touches on what stereotypes of Black manhood cost us as black males when we need to express our emotions when we are sensitive to any given situation. One thing these stereotypes lead to is the need for us as black males to display our strength through violence, which leads to self implosion.
Exploring your gender identity as a black male: Mr. Fleury encourages us to find ourselves by looking inside ourselves without relying on social norms. He points out the need to accept one's identity beyond stereotypes of race, gender or social background. He has again given directions to find your authentic self.
Mr. Fleury's book picks up for me in the chapters related to mental health for the black male. The chapters tell of the impact of being isolated by self-inducement. Now, I can relate to despair and hopelessness, but it is a spiritual ladder that brings salvation. Mr. Fleury speaks strongly in the opening about spiritual disorder in his Catholic school. He has, throughout his book, given us examples of his inner journey to find that his essence is within. He does speak of social and political and economic conditions. However, it's the words of "YOU ARE ENOUGH: A journey to self-acceptance" that ring out the loudest.
Yes indeed, Mr. Fleury gave us a foundation to discover our own self-acceptance and unconditional self-love.
Three Poems by Amelia Rosselli
Translated into English by Maurizio Brancaleoni
A sordid light from behind a cloud
the bedroom
her pain
the green mugginess of the tram driver
the forgotten bigoted son.
As all the things I told you
obsequiousness puts the accent on preponderance
I am sonless and fatherless
they are forgotten fathers and sons.
*
Una luce sordida di dietro un nuvolo
la stanza da letto
il suo dolore
la verde afa del tranviere
il figlio bigotto scordato.
Come tutte le cose che ti dissi
l’ossequio pone l’accento sulla preponderanza
io sono senza figlio e senza padre
loro sono padri e figli scordati.
Sleep pounds
hard on the door
my eyes lie
toyes on the ground.
I’m alive as a dead
person can be eager!
You are to blame
for getting by
with axe strokes
envelupsetting me.
You murdered my heart
and the mind tinkers
to survive
without a heart!
*
Il sonno picchia
duro sulla porta
i miei occhi giacciono
ballocchi in terra.
Sono viva come può
un morto essere desideroso!
È colpa di te
che ti arrangi
a colpi di scure
stravvolgendomi.
Mi hai assassinato il cuore
e la mente s’arrabatta
per sopravvivere
senza cuore!
Through the sky
passing in its gondolas
through doors
far from the source
the words ran away, astounded
without noises of love.
Bully down the street replaces friendship.
*
Pel cielo che
nelle sue gondole passava
per porte
lontane dalla sorgente
le parole scappavano, esterrefatte
senza rumori d’amore.
Bullo per strada sostituisce amicizia.
Amelia Rosselli (1930-1996) is considered one of the most important Italian poets of the past century. Born in Paris, she had to flee to Switzerland and then to the U.S. after the murder of her father and her uncle at the hands of Fascist militias. Back in Italy in the late 40s, in 1950 she settled in Rome, where she would spend the rest of her life. While her early literary experiments were in French and English, most of her poetic output was in an Italian studded with slips, portmanteaus and loanwords. The poems presented here are all from “Appunti sparsi e persi” (“Scattered and Lost Notes”) republished by Garzanti this year.
Maurizio Brancaleoni is a writer and translator. He received his Master’s Degree in Language and Translation Studies from Sapienza University of Rome in 2018, but he has been translating at least since 2012. In recent years he localized the prose and poetry of manifold authors, among which Thomas Wolfe, Adrian C. Louis, Justin Phillip Reed, Jean Toomer, Dylan Thomas, Herman Melville, Marina Pizzi and Scipione/Gino Bonichi. More poems by Amelia Rosselli in English translation can be found here.
