TO MY MOTHER

My mother – a mountain of strength so high,

What are mountains, compared to her blooming sky?

No, I was wrong — she’s my golden crown,

May she walk beside us, healthy and sound.

We are three daughters and one precious son,

To us, she’s a gem, brighter than the sun.

So many storms she has weathered as a woman,

May she stay strong — our prayers are human.

When I wept, calling myself unlucky and weak,

You asked, “Who dared make you feel so bleak?”

You never let your name be dragged through mud,

You said, “If you’re my child, then know only my love.”

Forgive me, mother, for every time I complained,

Wrap me in your love, in your warmth unchained.

You are both my father and mother — my soul’s gleam,

May I walk beside you in Heaven’s dream.

You are my treasure, the crown of my fate,

The sun in my sky, life’s dearest state.

Surrounded by grandchildren, joy never parts,

You are every child’s strength, the queen of hearts.

Gulnoza Valiyeva was born on April 30, 2006, in Okoltin district, Sirdaryo region.

A number of her poems have been published in the anthology “Towards My Goals…”, by one of the renowned publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States — JustFiction Edition.

She is currently a second-year student at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan. In 2024, she became the winner of the district-level poetry competition “Homeland Praised in Every Heart”, securing 1st place.