Poem by Zaneta Varnado Johns (Prepared Angela Kosta)
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ZANETA VARNADO JOHNS
Zaneta Varnado Johns, aka Zan Johns, is a Pushcart Nominee in Poetry and 4-time bestselling author of Poetic Forecast (2020), After the Rainbow (2022), What Matters Journal (2023), and Encore (2023). Johns is a contributing author in the Women Speakers Association’s #1 international bestsellers Voices of the 21st Century (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). Her poems are featured as the Dedication page in these collaborative books.
Johns co-edited the Social Justice Inks and Dear Heart anthologies with publisher and poet Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld. She serves as an editor for the Fine Lines Literary Journal and administrator for the Passion of Poetry and Trending Poets, online platforms for emerging and esteemed poets. Johns is a USA Contributor in the Russian Guinness World Record Hyperpoem. Her poems appear in numerous anthologies and international literary publications. Believing that every word shared is an opportunity to love, Johns’ writing offers hope as she stirs the reader’s consciousness about life and living.
Johns is a premier member of Canada’s Women Speakers Association and a Denver Dress for Success “Your Hour Her Power” 2024 Honoree. Her poems appear in numerous anthologies and international publications. She spent her twenty-nine-year career at the University of Colorado where she retired as the human resources leader and was recognized in 2007 as one of the University of Colorado's Women Who Make a Difference. Johns resides in Colorado, USA. www.zanexpressions.com
CONFIDENCE
After What Do Women Want
Kim Addonizio
I want to walk like I’m the only woman on earth
I will carry my sisters within
I will hold my head high
I am fearless
I am revered by God
and everyone
around me
I am confident
I am humble
I have joy
I have peace
The world is kind to me
With every step
I will leave behind a guide
for every woman
who shares my dream
A guide
for every woman
who wants to walk
like she’s
the only woman on earth.
Zaneta Varnado Johns, aka Zan Johns, is a Pushcart Nominee in Poetry and 4-time bestselling author of Poetic Forecast (2020), After the Rainbow (2022), What Matters Journal (2023), and Encore (2023). Johns is a contributing author in the Women Speakers Association’s #1 international bestsellers Voices of the 21st Century (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). Her poems are featured as the Dedication page in these collaborative books.
Johns co-edited the Social Justice Inks and Dear Heart anthologies with publisher and poet Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld. She serves as an editor for the Fine Lines Literary Journal and administrator for the Passion of Poetry and Trending Poets, online platforms for emerging and esteemed poets. Johns is a USA Contributor in the Russian Guinness World Record Hyperpoem. Her poems appear in numerous anthologies and international literary publications. Believing that every word shared is an opportunity to love, Johns’ writing offers hope as she stirs the reader’s consciousness about life and living.
Johns is a premier member of Canada’s Women Speakers Association and a Denver Dress for Success “Your Hour Her Power” 2024 Honoree. Her poems appear in numerous anthologies and international publications. She spent her twenty-nine-year career at the University of Colorado where she retired as the human resources leader and was recognized in 2007 as one of the University of Colorado's Women Who Make a Difference. Johns resides in Colorado, USA. www.zanexpressions.com
CONFIDENCE
After What Do Women Want
Kim Addonizio
I want to walk like I’m the only woman on earth
I will carry my sisters within
I will hold my head high
I am fearless
I am revered by God
and everyone
around me
I am confident
I am humble
I have joy
I have peace
The world is kind to me
With every step
I will leave behind a guide
for every woman
who shares my dream
A guide
for every woman
who wants to walk
like she’s
the only woman on earth.
FREE HEART
You didn’t steal my heart
I gave it to you
I had no choice
Oh how I rejoiced about
our love story—
full of glory
We enjoyed wholesome fun
in rain, snow and sun
When you appeared
my heart cheered
I longed and craved
not brave at first
to let it show
I wanted you to know
that I was yours
From the time we met
on you and me
I placed my bet
Like a thousand candles we glow
One wick, one love - steady
I am always ready
to love you more!
BALD EAGLE
You didn’t steal my heart
I gave it to you
I had no choice
Oh how I rejoiced about
our love story—
full of glory
We enjoyed wholesome fun
in rain, snow and sun
When you appeared
my heart cheered
I longed and craved
not brave at first
to let it show
I wanted you to know
that I was yours
From the time we met
on you and me
I placed my bet
Like a thousand candles we glow
One wick, one love - steady
I am always ready
to love you more!
BALD EAGLE
Bald eagle in the cottonwood
Atop the branch it boldly stood
Pedestrian paused to face the tree
Twice she stopped to glare at thee
I sensed distinction up above
An owl or eagle or flock of dove
I noticed a blotch of black and white
Kept my eyes pinned till it took flight
Off it flew toward open blue sky
Supremely it soared far and high
Eagles embody God’s amazing grace
Thrilled to view them from my cozy space.
Atop the branch it boldly stood
Pedestrian paused to face the tree
Twice she stopped to glare at thee
I sensed distinction up above
An owl or eagle or flock of dove
I noticed a blotch of black and white
Kept my eyes pinned till it took flight
Off it flew toward open blue sky
Supremely it soared far and high
Eagles embody God’s amazing grace
Thrilled to view them from my cozy space.
Academic, journalist, writer, poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, translator
