Oh life, why do you torment my father so?
Day and night he works, without rest at all.
Oh life, why so many trials must he know?
Aren’t his graying hairs proof enough of his toll?
So we lack nothing, he gives all he can,
His hands are worn, scarred, and bruised.
Without pause he runs, a tireless man,
Yet never complains — his pure heart’s not abused.
Oh life, and what about my mother dear,
Why bring sorrow to her gentle soul?
She worked hard, shared her wisdom clear,
Surely joy is her rightful goal?
Oh life, just look at my parents both,
They fulfilled every wish I ever spoke.
If I wanted fancy clothes, they’d say “yes”,
While they themselves wore old, torn cloaks.
So that I wouldn’t lack, when I had asked,
You gave more than enough — my shield, my dad.
“Protect your honor, know your worth,” you’d say,
With teary eyes, my mother would guide my way.
If I were a man, I’d help with the chores,
Even if not much, I’d do something more.
But now — I only ask, this and that,
My troubles I tell you in an endless chat.
In this world, I’m truly in your debt,
May God grant you a long life yet.
Your service to me — I can never repay,
Even if I walked you to Hajj all the way.
My shield, dear father, purest mother mine,
This debt I owe — I know I’ll never unwind.
But if God wills it, in the life to come,
All my blessings I’ll give you — every one!
Elbekova Shohsanam Ne’matjon qizi. Born on July 31, 2002 in the Namangan district of the Namangan region. She graduated from secondary school No. 22 in the district, then from the Uzbek language department of Namangan State University. Currently, she is a 1st-year master’s student at the Namangan State Pedagogical Institute. She has been familiar with poetry and literature since childhood. To date, her poetry collections “Nurli manzil”, “Ayol madhi” have been published. Her poems and articles on various topics are regularly covered in the media. Shohsanam’s goal is to become an accomplished specialist in her profession and share her useful knowledge with the future generation.