Zan V. Johns
The nest was never intended
as a permanent place to stay
Our birds we must surrender
as we watch them fly away
We nurture and we mold them
while they are in the nest
When it’s their time to venture out
they’ve already passed the test
It’s not the birds I fret about
They fly away without fear
We parents may need comforting
Our next move is not always clear
Do we leave their rooms unaltered
Should we call them everyday
Do we trust that they are ready
to handle any trial they face
When my birds left their nest
Grateful tears I shed with glee
I changed their rooms to office space
So, they could no longer live with me
I love my children dearly
These birds are flying high
Their wings will not betray them
On my love and wisdom they rely
Previously published in Nobody Told Me It Would Be This Hard by Shari Filsinger & Encore by ©Zaneta Varnado Johns
BIO:
Zan V. Johns resides in Colorado, USA. She is a world class author of three poetry collections (Poetic Forecast, After the Rainbow & Encore) and the What Matters Journal. She is a coauthor in the Women Speakers Association’s (WSA) Voices of the 21st Century book series (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). Her poems are featured as the Dedication page in these international bestselling publications. Johns is a Pushcart Nominee and WSA Poet Laureate. Her writing offers hope as she stirs the reader’s consciousness about life and living.
Johns is an editor for Fine Lines Journal and coeditor of three poetry anthologies (Social Justice Inks, Dear Heart & Cadence). She is also an administrator for the Passion of Poetry. Her poems appear in numerous anthologies and international publications. In June 2024, she received the Side Hustle Honors Award in Publications and Writing. Johns is also a Denver Dress for Success “Your Hour Her Power” 2024 Honoree. www.ZanExpressions.com
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