Jean Manning

Decatur, Georgia

Name: Dr. Emma Jean Manning; Pen Name: Jean Manning; Birthplace: Atlanta, GA; Family History: Mother-Emma Kate Thomas (deceased), Father-Mack Henry Thomas (deceased), Husband-Dr. Willie James Manning, Son-Zario Manning, Siblings-4 Sisters; Occupation: College Professor; Education: David T. Howard High School, Atlanta, GA, Bachelor of Arts, Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA, Master of Education, Doctor of Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman OK; Work Experience: Elementary Teacher, Statesboro, GA, Atlanta, GA, Oklahoma City, OK, Secondary Teacher, High School Reading Specialist, Talbotton, GA, College Professor, Assistant Professor of Education, Teacher Education, Reading and English, Augusta College, Augusta, GA, Assistant Professor of Reading, Kennesaw State of College, Marietta, GA, Assistant Professor of Reading Education, Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA; Organizations: Georgia State Poetry Society, National Federation of Poets, Inc., Georgia Writers, Inc., International Society of Poets; Religious Affiliation: Methodist; Philosophy: I write to portray beauty, to cheer and inspire mankind. I believe that beauty transforms humanity, transcending time, region, race, culture, and social class. Although each member of society is unique, all share a common human nature. This tendency unites humanity and promotes the universal man. Free from bondage one may dwell upon virtues, those things that are lovely, pure, honest, just, and of good report. Humanity soars to a new dimension. Writing Interests: Poetry, Fiction and Nonfiction (Short stories, Essays, Children's Literature); Recognitions: Has won numerous awards and honors from The National Library of Poetry and The International Society of Poets. Has had many of her poems published in numerous anthologies, as well as produced on tape by The National Library of Poetry.

Click here to listen to Visions Of Kate

Click here to listen to Guest Divine

Click here to listen to Golden Years

Visions Of Kate

With wonder I stare in the dawn of day,
At the phantom posing in the narrow doorway,
Below Kate from a faraway land,
A secret utopia on golden sand

I seek to touch her lovely face,
Love knowing no bounds, transcending space,
Yet she eludes and guards the key,
To the mystery door between her and me.

So warming the taste of her Sabbath feast,
An offering of love to even the least,
The shabby stranger with bright sad eyes,
Surely an angel in mortal disguise.

Her perfume trails boldly and captures my nose,
I smell the fragrance of a wild red rose,
Time standing still in the moment rare,
Suspends my phantom in anointed air.

Beyond the purple mountain tall,
I hear her laughter and tender call,
The torch flaming brightly on benevolent fate,
I imprison forever sweet visions of Kate.

Guest Divine

Suddenly He appeared, a glorious sight,
Guest Divine in reverent light,
His head bowed humbly at my altar of prayer,
It graciously welcomed visit rare.

Time fleeting, He presented no name,
Or needless rhetoric of fortune and fame,
But in the twinkling of a moral eye,
Vanished like a star in awakening sky.

Yet His blessed presence abides,
Mighty as the ocean, faithful as the tide,
Comforting, strengthening, lingering here,
Love flowing strongly; love without fear.

His spirit refreshing like gentle rain,
Yields Autumn harvest with golden grain,
Tints the sky with the rainbow still,
Whitens the lilies skirting the hill.

Lord of life, He lifts me up,
Sweetens like Honey my bitter cup,
Now my altar is a peaceful shrine,
Patiently awaiting my guest Divine.

Golden Years

What matters if in the golden years,
You reminisce with laughter and tears.
For bravely you traveled the winding road,
And now you pause to rest your load.

The victory is sweet, life's longtime race,
Deep joy is written in your eternal gaze,
Contentment glowing like a candle at night,
Shatters the darkness and spreads the light.