Encore

<p><strong>Finalist: 2024 American Writing Awards</strong></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Internationally recognized poet and author Zaneta Varnado Johns is back fueled by passion purpose and steady acclaim. She is spiritually grounded filled with love appreciation and awe. In response to the loud applause garnered by her two previous poetry collections Johns presents </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore: A Collection of Poetry</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>. Featuring ninety-nine select poems </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> is a gift from the author's heart. In the book's Dedication Johns states </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>For every relative friend poet and organizational leader who pushed prodded nudged and encouraged me: this one's for you. I titled this book to acknowledge your applause. I heard it. I loved it. I responded. This is your encore-from my heart to yours</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>. Some poems previously featured globally in anthologies make an encore appearance in this collection.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Take your seat and prepare to be enchanted by </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore's</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> stellar performance. </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> begins with romantic musings and essences sparked by the poet's life and thoughtful interpretations of the lives of others. Poetic threads are woven through lyrics inspired by favored locales. From Hawaii to Boston's Cape Cod Colorado to Greece Johns writes as she marvels at her surroundings and experiences. Her compassion for people is beautifully expressed either as poetic observations or unique tributes found in the chapter titled In Awe. The heartwarming Joy in Her Swing celebrates the resilience of five-year-old Azaria whose mother and grandmother passed away within three years of each other entrusting her care to her grandmother's devoted selfless childhood friend. Johns' prose poem She Speaks for Me is a masterpiece showcasing renowned African and African American women poets who persuade her writing. </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Johns has a lot to say about the human condition. Some poems are concise while others are grouped in the chapters titled Rants and Spiels or Keynotes. She passionately addresses hunger gun violence women's empowerment and prejudice among other contemporary issues. Anyone with a heart will be stirred by Hunger a Global Tragedy and It Has to Stop two poignant poems illuminating the realities of hunger and the poet's gut-wrenching reaction to yet another senseless school shooting. Johns is a personal figure in Not Eclipsed and Life as a Breeze expressions concerning skin color and prejudice.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Johns imparts the spirit of Hawaii's aloha in </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore's</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> message. My Walk Along the Ocean and Blessed Life are examples of poems reflecting tranquil moments of immense gratitude. </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>'s expressions are accompanied by complementary images and quotes-the poet's signature accent found in her two previous collections. With </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Encore</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> Zaneta Varnado Johns leaves an indelible mark with every word and artistic rendering.</span></p><p> </p>