Merge Within

With no ground of distrust,  
No agony within,  
Without worry of separation,  
Like autumn leaves  
Falling with no care,  
Meeting the earth  
And merging with it.  

In the same way,  
Come with deep desire.  
Sometimes, you bury your face in my arms,  
Seeking comfort and solace.  
Sometimes, I nestle my face in yours,  
Finding serenity in your embrace.  
At times, you somersault  
Like a playful dolphin on my lap,  
Seeking joy and laughter.  
And sometimes, I too somersault,  
Offering you happiness and delight  
From dawn until night.

[Sushant Kumar B.K. is a Nepali poet, translator, educator, and freelance writer from Gulariya, Bardiya, Nepal. He holds two degrees: an MA in English Literature and Political Science. He primarily writes poems in English and Nepali. His poems have been featured in national and international anthologies, magazines, newspapers, and online portals. He can be reached at sushantacademia@gmail.com.".]

The Unloved

She gave up her desire to be perfect-

in exchange for the sweetness of play.

To befriend-instead the kind creatures of

childhood.

And the mythical world of the forest.

To give away her self made world of idols.

To stop trying and let the world of fantasy 

come to her.

To be replaced by summer storms, and 

winter pleasures.

To let icicles form where there had been 

tears of regret.

To let love enter and kindness guide her.

Life is so easy now-

It overwhelms what she had missed.

The gloves that no longer fit.

The stories that she told herself over and over.

That no longer needs to be justified.

The sweetness that was always there.

The love that was waiting for her.

The healer in the lake.

REFLECTION OF LIFE

life is a tranquil pond; a reflection 

of the world around us.

just as the surface mirrors the skies 

and trees, our past ///and present are

reflected in its calm water (s) each ripple

on the surface carries a story of victories 

and defeats & happiness & heartache. 

everyday, like a silver ; the pond hold (s)

our truths and reveals our grace. moments 

pass by like waves, fleeting and into the songs

while memories linger like echoes.

thus, life imprinted- on our fragile hearts in 

the mirrored depths of existence.

Salihu Muhammad Ebba known by his poetic name as Wordwhisperer is a bright and ambitious individual, currently studying At Legend International School Minna with a strong foundation from Guided Medal Model School, Minna. He was driven into the world to succeed and make a meaningful impact on the society. Salihu Muhammad Ebba is a promised Nigerian poet, short stories writer and spoken word artist from the heart of Minna.

THE NATURE OF POLITICS

In politics, beware, for interests collide

Nobody’s got your back, everyone’s on their own side

Dealing with politicians, a treacherous game

Sleep with tigers, eyes wide open, or you’ll feel the flames

Someone’s always being used, don’t be blind

If you can’t find the pawn, it’s you they’ll leave behind

Serving politicians, a temporary fix

Once the wound heals, your usefulness mixes

With dust and ashes, your value unseen

Politicians recognize needs, not loyalty or sheen

Don’t wail more than the bereaved, they’ll get the gain

While you inherit enemies, and endless pain

Choose your interests, when conflicts arise

Don’t sacrifice your own, for politicians’ compromise

Never cross oceans, for those who won’t cross the street

They’ll speak at your funeral, but won’t lift a finger to meet

Family and health, sacred and true

Don’t use them as pawns, in politics’ cruel game anew

It’s not that serious, don’t sacrifice your soul

For temporary rewards, that will eventually grow old

Youth, beware, don’t risk it all

Career, health, character, integrity, for politicians’ thrall

Unless you’re in control, with a long-term plan

Don’t sacrifice your future, for a fleeting politician’s hand.

My country is lucky

Iqbal will always bless my country,

It is a blessing to be born in this country.

The flag is raised high in the sky,

His name echoes on the ground all the time.

The world has recognized my country today,

Pride is burning in the heart of every young person.

Fayz-u is full of refreshment every day,

Gratitude on the tongue, tears in the eyes.

Allah also made us independent,

All conditions are for us young people.

The door of opportunity is open,

The youth of Uzbeks are in trouble today.

It’s okay, no matter how much I praise

Day by day, our land grows brighter.

“We will never be inferior to anyone!”

This is our noble goal, our motto.

Shodiyeva Mehribon Amin’s daughter was born in 1998 in Shofirkon district of Bukhara region. The young artist’s poems have been published several times in newspapers and magazines such as “Shofirkon Ovozi”, “Bukhara Sharif”, “Istiqlal Gunchali”, “Bukhara Literature and Art”, “Bilimdon”, “Dono Word”. Collections entitled “Nurli addresses”, “Begubor otsylar” have been published. Currently, he is an independent student of the Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute.

                                            PIPEDREAMS

		
I dream of a landscape where greetings don’t flash fangs.
		
A family table where discussion is civil; folks listen—
		
don’t just wait to break in and berate those they hate.

		
I dream of a climate of inquiry; fair, open-minded,
		
where research is key, and critical thinking weighs facts.
		
Yes it’s a fantasy. Courtesy, tolerance, trust—

		
trampled to dust by the name-calling, self-righteous rants
		
of shock-jocks who rage about enemies, dangers from                      immigrants,
		
Muslims and Buddhists, gay couples, uppity women…

		
I dream of a land where the “great” days weren’t back in 

the ‘50’s,
		
and no one is trying to turn back the clock with grim laws—
		
rather, pursues equal rights, equal justice for all.

		
I dream.  Dream and hope. Harmony. Healing. I vote.