Jan Zimmerman

Franklin, PA, USA

Jan has been writing poetry since she was nine years old. She is a licensed CDL driver and Animal Care Specialist. She has worked for Vision Quest, an alternative treatment program for juveniles for the past 8 1/2 years. She is currently traveling with The Calvary Wagon Train for them. Jan has published poetry in an anthology for Quill Books called, "Chasing Rainbows," in her local newspaper in Kansas (where's she's from originally), and also in The National Library of Poetry and Reader's Digest. Jan is an avid animal lover and has several pets. Jan says writing provides her a solace from stress.

Nature Walks

Snow falling softly against the windowpane
Angels dust sifted down on sills
As the moon reflects a night light on the world.
Small crisp sounds
Fracture the stillness,
Tentative footfalls are distinguished for my ears.
A furtive glimpse of shining eyes,
Searching for the safety of aloneness.
One small step forward . . . waiting,
Then slowly, one bold step
followed closer by another.
The amazement of the sheer beauty . . .
One small fawn appears.

Glimpse of a Soul

Azure blue
with temptation
and trepidation.

A warmth
yet, a fear.
One touch could open a door
or close them forever.
If I could but read,
one answer,
before I run away.

Oh Night

Sly is the night
As it slips down over our heads
Awful and beautiful as it is.
It has come roaring down
like a thousand hoofbeats in the distance
for many a million years;
Oh Night . . .
You have taught me
You have drug me to you
And kept me embraced
until we became akin.
Scary and wonderful
with all the secrets of the world.
You hover above me
like the gentle flapping
of a thousand wings . . .
And soar me to places
many are afraid to go.
You have shown me how to see in darkness
Things people don't even see in the light.
You have given to me a peace
Instilled deep within my soul.
Oh Night . . .
Awesome in your majesty . . .
Thank you,
for being my friend.