ONE MORNING
One morning, quite suddenly
Someone will announce to me
that the water carried away my crib
winds swept away my park
The rain washed away my tracks
One morning, somebody would tell me
that my memories are covered with white
Someone will tell me
Someone third in me
that I lost myself
one morning
It will ask what happened to the boys
And why not their rate on Starry sky
And where is the sky
This will be a great morning if I wake up
This story was not written to promote girls being educated or uneducated. Rather, it was written to encourage everyone to think wisely before acting and to make decisions with their parents’ consent and blessing.
This story is based on real events, and I portrayed them through the character of Husnora. I wrote this story so that others would not repeat the mistakes she made in her youth. If she had not made those mistakes, perhaps she would be happy today.
That is why I wrote this story as a warning to young girls. I hope you will draw the right conclusions from it.
Every person strives to be happy. Happiness cannot be found in money or material things; it is always in one’s own hands. If you stray from the right path, unhappiness awaits you. But if you walk the right path, a beautiful happiness awaits you. You simply need to recognize it—it is often found in the simplest things.
The noise of cars, the streets crowded with people—everyone busy with their own lives. In a large house at the edge of the street, there was a celebration.
It was May 21st—Husnora’s birthday. All her relatives had gathered; she was turning eighteen. Everyone sincerely congratulated her.
By evening, the guests began to leave. The day ended. The next day she went to school and spent joyful time with her classmates, as they were about to graduate from the eleventh grade.
Two days later, they gathered to hear the final school bell. Everyone was beautifully dressed. They graduated.
Her parents, Hasan aka and Momogul opa, had long been thinking about whether to send their daughter to study further. But they hesitated. Husnora was playful and not very serious. In her younger years, she had made many mistakes. Perhaps because of that, her parents were always worried. Moreover, she often ignored their advice.
June passed with these thoughts.
Without telling her parents, Husnora secretly applied to a medical college because she wanted to become a nurse. The exam day approached, yet her parents knew nothing.
One day, while cleaning the house, Momogul opa accidentally found some documents. Reading them, she realized her daughter had applied to medical college. She sat down and cried for a long time. Then she thought, Is it wrong if my daughter studies?
But still uncertain, she called her husband.
Hasan aka was shocked and angry that his daughter had acted without his permission. That night he argued with Momogul opa.
Husnora had gone to stay at her grandmother Sevara’s house. Sevara lived alone; her husband had died young, and her youngest son lived in Russia. Husnora often stayed with her grandmother.
When her father called angrily, demanding she come home in the morning, Husnora understood the truth had come out.
Her grandmother advised her wisely:
“Without your parents’ blessing, you cannot achieve true happiness.”
But Husnora did not listen.
“I’m eighteen. I can make my own decisions,” she insisted.
Eventually, her father agreed to let her study—but warned her not to disgrace the family.
She passed the exam and was admitted to the Tashkent Medical College. Her family felt uneasy because of her past behavior.
In Tashkent, Husnora made new friends. Instead of focusing on her studies, she spent time going out, dressing fashionably, meeting boys, and enjoying city life.
She met Sardor and Shavkat—two young men who followed the girls everywhere. Eventually, friendships turned into romance. The boys often had no money and made the girls pay for outings.
One night, drunk and out of control, the boys tried to assault Husnora. Terrified, she escaped and hid until morning. She later learned they were gamblers and drug users.
Despite everything, she continued her careless lifestyle.
She graduated and returned home. Her father organized a feast to celebrate her diploma, but she embarrassed him by wearing revealing clothes in front of guests.
Later, she began working at a hospital. There she met Shuhrat, a doctor who showed her attention. She did not know he was married with children.
They spent evenings together. Her father warned her again, but she accused him of interfering in her life.
Eventually, a proposal came from a city man named Farhod. He was handsome and well-dressed. She agreed quickly, dreaming of city life.
After marriage, Farhod revealed his violent nature. He suffered from epilepsy and often beat her. He forced her to write a statement humiliating herself.
She became pregnant. The abuse continued.
One day, during a seizure, Farhod died from an overdose. His family accused Husnora of killing him. They took her son Jonibek away and expelled her from the house.
Despite her attempts through court, she could not regain custody.
Years passed. Jonibek grew up calling his grandmother “mother,” unaware of his real mother. He was raised to hate Husnora.
Husnora lived with deep regret.
If only she had listened to her parents…
If only she had chosen wisely…
Perhaps her life would have been different.
JUBILEE OF FIRE
On the calendar
The rice paper
Burned
The match burned out
Last year is forgotten
The skin’s snake is lost
A new era imprints
Its tempo with a new breath
The sulfur crackles
A tenfold energy
Mane in the wind
Nostrils blow
Ashes and embers
The stride is legendary
February pulses
On the hoof the farrier
Grafted the shoe of luck
Today, with its burning bells, announces
A year with the pulse of a thoroughbred
The horse neighs powerfully
Its pyromaniac letters are engraved
Deep in the flesh
The beginning of a new era
Emerging from torpor
And celebrating the new year.
Celebrate your fiery horse
And run into the vastness
Geneviève Guevara lives in Belgium. She’s a very creative French teacher, poet, novelist, and painter. Writing is very important in her life and she organizes a monthly poetry festival in her hometown of Namur and a bimonthly poetry festival in Paris.
the whale:
unbothered by the billowing orchestra of bubbles
the whale swims on through the ever warming waters of the atlantic ocean
her tail waves back and forth with ease
commanding a cacophony of waves
waves that collapse on the beaches fathoms away
ocean
my head is an ocean
in which I more frequently drown than swim.
my mouth is a loaded gun
and I am the finger that holds the trigger.
sometimes I cannot stop myself
from getting tangled in the algae of my depression,
from drowning in a sea of anxiety.
sometimes I cannot stop myself
from firing on the first one to cross my path.
my head is a void,
an endless continuum in which I often find myself lost.
as I walk through the gates at the precipice of nothingness
I am greeted with only a baleful silence.
with every step I take in my own mind
I fear that I will slip into the deep
and never be able to return again.
my head is an ocean
in which I more frequently drown than swim.
Riley “Ri” Winters (she/they) is a young transgender poet, author, and musician from San Francisco, California. Her work focuses on social justice, identity reclamation, and self-expression, and advocates for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.
THE TALK OF THE TOWN
My morning has already come smiling
New dreams even with eyes wide open
An indication that happiness is lurking
Radiant morning and uplifting breeze
Being drenched, she runs into my arms
An angel with lovely tune of her anklets
The talk of the town is soft and smooth
Though old, fresh seem conversations
Beyond all thoughts this life moves on
I am a bud blooming at your first sight
Find myself dissolved in thy love genuine
And I would love to find my muse in you.
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT!
The mystical moonlight of forest
In the coziness of shadow and mystery
In the dreams of body and mind
The lady night comes to sense
The loving swan is lost in her dreams
Returns with the songsters of spring
When the sun sets in the evening
On the path covered by canopy of trees
With waves of the fascinated ocean
The flute keeps on giving her a call
Queen of the night looks for her beloved
Here is the holy echo of the tunes.
YOU’RE NOT MINE!
We were walking hand in hand and
You got stranded in the rain again
I was somewhere lost in my dream
You went farther away from me then
Know not if I can keep up your pace
You were my life just for a moment
Then you made me grieve for lifetime
My heart got shattered the very night
To me the wet face was worth seeing
I often smell you and your memories
I do feel like having you by me forever
Those memories and journey so sweet
So haunting I can hardly escape them
Perhaps it caught the sight of evil eyes
My lips were silent but cried my heart
Though awaiting, I could say nothing
For I consoled myself you’re not mine.
Sahitya Ratnakar Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai.
(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.
Sahitya Ratnakar Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai.
(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.
If Not Love
The couple sat upon a green-painted bench in the park. In the distance, a dog barked and children squealed with glee. Motes of dust danced in the sunlight which bled through the clouds.
“Libby,” he asked, “do you even want my love?”
“It’s not a matter of what I want,” she said. “You either love me or you don’t.” He maintained his silence. “So you…don’t love me now? We’ve been lovers for more than a year now,” she pointed out.
“It’s not as simple as that,” Matt said. “I do love you already, Libby, but I’m on the edge of falling in love with you. But, if I see there’s no hope, no room for me in your life, and no real future for us, then I’ll hold back.”
“So,” she mused thoughtfully, “it’s up to me whether you fall in love or not?”
“Libby, I want to, but…”
“But?” she prompted.
“I don’t want to set myself up to fail. I’ve been married twice before,” he reminded her.
“What assurances do you need, or expect, from me?” she asked. “If you’re asking me, do I have a permanent place for you in my life, I do. But, Matt, we might fail no matter what; there are no guarantees. It’s all a chance, a mystery….that they call love.”
“I’ll take the chance,” he said meaningfully, closing the distance between them and running his fingers deeply through the auburn tresses spilling down Libby’s shoulders and back. She moaned softly and fell into a warm embrace with Matt.
After they loosened their embrace, Libby asked “As a practical matter, would this require me to give up sex with my husband?”
“No,” Matt assured her, I don’t think that would be fair to you. I know I’m not great in bed,” he acknowledged, “and according to your all-too-vivid descriptions, I could never match what he does for and to you. Was he ever some kind of acrobat or contortionist?” he asked.
“He spent a couple of years with a circus, in fact,” she admitted.
“Does he know about me, Libby?”
She frowned. “Of course! What kind of woman do you think I am?” she asked. “I wouldn’t cheat on Jack without telling him. He’s cool as long as I don’t talk about leaving him. He has a couple of side pieces on a string too. He says, if I have time on my hands, it’s OK if you fill out my dance card.” She hesitated a beat. “As long as you’ve had all your shots.”
They both laughed.
Matt nodded. “Speaking of which, I do love going dancing with you. Just thinking about holding you close…”
“Then let’s have some more of that,” murmured Libby. “No need to talk. My husband is great at the big event, so to speak, but not much for petting and intimacy. Do you mind putting one hand here and rubbing a little? Use the fingers on your right hand. That’s right. Mmmmm.”
“If you like that, Libby, you could return the favor, by…ooh, good, I don’t need to explain, do I?”
Several minutes later they pulled apart. Libby said, “You know, what we’ve got now seems like the best of both worlds. I get two guys to satisfy me in two different ways, and you can’t afford another wife after two divorces.”
At Matt’s wistful look, Libby asked, “What is it?”
“I envy Matt getting to spend every night with you,” he said. “Lying in your arms is what I live for.”
“Then I’ve got some good news,” she said brightly. “Jack works the midnight shift every third week, so you can come over at, say, 10:30 on nights when he works. Work for you?” Libby asked.
“It does,” agreed Matt. “Baby, things couldn’t get any better!”
“Then how about this,” said Libby. “You could move in.”
“With you two?” asked Matt. “How would that work?”
“Well, you could move into the vacant apartment over the garage. Jack has been wanting to rent it out to get us some extra money.”
“When can I move in?” asked Matt eagerly. “But, wait,” he said. “Don’t you need to talk it over with Jack first?”
“No need,” replied Libby. “Maddie, one of Jack’s girlfriends, is already set to move in. Now you two could share the expenses, and the bed, when we’re not…you know. That way, you won’t get lonely when Jack is at home.”
“What’s this Maddie like?” asked Matt.
Libby shrugged. “I dunno. Tall, skinny, blonde, some kind of athlete at college, a distance runner or something? I’ve just seen her twice. What do you think, Matt?”
He only smiled.