Today, I bring you a special feature; a conversation with my writing peer, Vivian Zems. This poet says, she first picked up her pen in September 2016 and hasn’t been able to put it down since. Without any delay, let’s hear what more she has to say.
About Vivian

Vivian is a mum, author, poet, dentist and songwriter living in North London with her four children and Zeus, the family German Shepherd. Her poetry collections: Waxing Lyrical, Lift Off! and Verses of April are available on Amazon.
Sheโs also a voracious reader as well as a blogger. You can peruse Vivian’s writings and latest poems or simple connect at her blog, Facebook or Instagram.
In this conversation, Vivian talks about her Amazon Bestseller Poetry Anthology, Lift Off!, a poem, Between Thoughts, and more.
Khaya Ronkainen: How did you end up the pilgrim poet? Is this how you or others describe you? And what does this actually mean?
Vivian Zems: I named myself the pilgrim poet because poetry is relatively new to me. I feel that Iโve only scratched the surface, when it comes to poetry. I sometimes joke about living in โPoetry Schoolโ. So, I am a pilgrim on a journey to find out where all these words I use come from.
KR: Oh yes, I can relate. Itโs something of an intrigue where these words come from, and where they take us to. I guess we are all on journey of some sort.
Coming to your book in question, Lift Off!, the title and the poem of the same title convey a bold message about overcoming. Is this a correct assessment? And if so, what kind of a reader did you envision when putting this book together? Why?
VZ: Yes, Lift Off! is definitely about overcoming in both the title and the poem at the back. The sort of reader that would enjoy this book is anyone, who needs a shot of hope and reassurance that the light at the end of the tunnel is a certainty.
KR: Anyone who needs a shot of hope, I like that. I also find the description โpoems designed to lift your head, see the sky, dare to dream and test your wingsโ very encouraging. Sometimes as adults, and as we navigate life, we lose sight of our dreams or goals.
What do you believe happens, when we stop dreaming? In your opinion, how can we get back on track and start dreaming again?
VZ: To stop dreaming is like a living death. Iโve been there before, you cannot dream if youโre busy trying to survive. I can only give an example of how I began dreaming again. I hit a wall, and my life was not really a life but more of an existence. Thatโs when I decided life is far too short to waste it on dead ends. I encouraged and challenged myself to fulfill my dreams. Thatโs when I picked up my pen.
KR: Picking up the pen is a courageous act. I salute you for taking action in order to fulfill your dreams.

I also find your book inspirational and upbeat, almost a song. But fear features often in this collection. What is the speakerโs worst fear?
VZ: Fear has always stalked me. So, youโll see it pop up from time to time in my writing. As an adult, its presence has loomed even larger but Iโve learned how to navigate my way around it and live, regardless.
KR: Well, everybody is afraid of something. I guess the key thing is to have strategies in place in order to navigate or conquer those fears.
Now to the poem in question, Between Thoughts. Letโs look at this brief excerpt:
I go to that place between
my thoughts
where clouds heavy-laden
with dreams wait for me
It is in this place
that God draws near
I donโt often think much about this space between thoughts, the Gap as itโs often called. The speaker in the poem though is able to go to this place. How do you as a poet recognise this space, because it happens very sporadically?
VZ: For me, there are two spaces; the one I refer to in โBetween Thoughtsโ is a personal sanctuary. But there is this โotherโ space thatโs open to interpretation. Itโs a space or place you first recognise only when youโve left it. Or perhaps, we could just call it our โnicheโ.
KR: I hear you. That space is often elusive and can be difficult to explain. Iโve also been pondering, we live in a technological era where we are all talking at once and hardly listening to one another. Do you think there is a way one can create this space in their daily lives? How?
VZ: The only way I know how to create this space is to constantly talk about poetry. Luckily, youโll tend to find that poets refer to poetry in one form or another during the course of a day. I see and hear poetry everywhere (laughs). That sounds ominous but itโs true!
Many a time, Iโve found a line of poetry in a conversation in person or a radio chat show. I also quote poetry to most of my patients and get mixed reactions. Some will point me in the direction of a poet that inspired them. And on more than one occasion, Iโve had to lay down my instruments for a full spoken-word show! At other times I get a raised eyebrow but that doesnโt faze me.
Incidentally, that’s how I was introduced to Pam Ayres and her famously hilarious poem, I Wish Iโd Looked After Me Teeth, by my patient who before leaving recited the entire poem!
KR: Oh, brilliant! I just love the injection of poetry into everyday life. Itโs not only fun but makes it more accessible, I think. How lucky are your patients to be treated to a spoken-word show! I think I might just ask my dentist on my next visit, if they could help calm me down by reciting a poem. Iโll probably be the one who gets a raised eyebrow. And Pam Ayres, she is hilarious! I like that poem, thank you for sharing.
Now, at the beginning of your poem, the world is in chaos. Is this the speakerโs world or the world in general? What are the speakerโs preoccupations about this world?
VZ: This is quite easy to answer. Iโm prone to bouts of crippling fear (perhaps theyโre panic attacks) and over the years Iโve learned to retreat to my โhappy placeโ or that space between my thoughts. I described it the only way I knew how:
When all the world burns in chaos
and the claws of panic sink deep
When emotions take flight
like untamed horses derailing
chariots of hope
KR: I can only imagine what itโs like to go through bouts of crippling fear. But Iโm pleased to learn you use that โhappy placeโ to retreat. I believe it’s also a space that allows you to eloquently capture emotions, as in the verse above. And the reader is invited to witness this chaotic world.
At the end of the poem, โIt is in this place / that God draws near / to whisper in my earโ, the speaker seems to have attained peace or closure. What has the speaker learned through this journey, and as they reclaim this sacred place?
VZ: This is the place of peace for me. Itโs a familiar place dusted and always ready for my return. Itโs in this space that I would quote a psalm, say a small prayer or simply hum a tune. It works. It keeps me going.
KR: I read from your blog that you are Nigerian by heritage, Ghanaian by birth and British by nationality. Which world as a poet do you depict most in your writing? And do these facets of yourself hinder or enrich your writing? How so?
VZ: Iโd like to think Iโm influenced by all three countries. However, because I grew up in Ethiopia, Iโve got that to contend with as well. Overall, itโs an enriching experience but on occasion it can be frustrating because I want to write poetry that reflects Africa, only to find that I havenโt got enough content in my soul. But I know itโs buried in there somewhere, perhaps not as a reflection of my environment but culturally. For example, my parents ensured we (kids) greeted our elders in the appropriate manner at all times, and referred to said elders as โAuntyโ and โUncleโ, whether blood relatives or not.
KR: So many influences to contend with, indeed. I often refer to this as both a blessing and a curse. And as you put it, these difference influences are enriching but can also be frustrating, more so when the aim is to reflect Africa. Because thereโs also a question of who is โqualifiedโ to write about Africa or African experiences. But we wonโt even go there, itโs a conflicted argument.
And yes, culture plays a huge role in all this. I so relate to the upbringing and the appropriate manners; not addressing elders by their first names, for example.
But returning to this โchaotic worldโ, there are so many injustices facing us today. Do you think poets should always be advocating for something? Why or why not?
VZ: Itโs so important that poets never stop speaking. Poetry expresses emotions that canโt be expressed by way of speeches or newspaper snippets. Itโs exactly like music. Without both, I believe the world would disintegrate!
KR: Great point! We need to speak up against injustices, whether itโs through poetry or other artistic forms.
Now tell us, what did you learn from writing your first book of poetry? Is there anything you wish you could have done differently?
VZ: My first book of poetry, Waxing Lyrical, is more like a stream of consciousness. I enjoyed it thoroughly and if anything, it feels more like a personal journal. My writing has improved, and my other poetry books since then have been themed, and not a random mix of thoughts. Though not perfect, I wouldnโt change a thing because I realise that itโs my failures and mistakes that mould me and Iโm quite happy being a student.
KR: I love your response. Because we, writers, can be hard on ourselves and often riddled with self-doubt.
You are also a songwriter, how does writing poetry overlap with songwriting? That is, how do you get into a mental space to write a poem instead of a song?
VZ: Iโll let you in on a secret, I canโt tell the difference between a poem and a song! The songs Iโve written have originally been poems, albeit with a little twist, pause or refrain here and there. Iโve written micro-fiction as well as non-fiction in the past but poetry always seems to take first place, and songwriting is making a tune of your words, isnโt it? [laughs] Itโs just as well I donโt take it too seriously, because my only thought is: Iโll make a tune out of this one!
KR: Oh, classic! The secret is now out. But I like that you can laugh about it, and donโt take yourself seriously. It would a different case, I suppose, if you were pursuing music as a career. Because you know there are snobs on both ends, who believe poetry should be this and music that.
Speaking of snobbery, especially in poetry, how do you measure success as a poet?
VZ: Success for me is that sense of accomplishment in an endeavour fuelled by raw passion. Thereโs no other feeling like it. Add to that, validation from the public and then youโre more or less sure you havenโt written rubbish.
I was excited when Lift Off! hit #1 New Release on Amazon, and stayed at #1 for a few weeks. Verses of April, another book of poetry, joined it and for a moment in time it was #1 while Lift Off! was #2. I tell you! My friends, family, co-workers and patients suffered horribly during those few weeks. I squealed and whooped and pointed and laughed and cried! More importantly, I was proud that I’ve been productive despite that awful constant fear.
KR: Oh yes, I heard you squeal with joy across social media platforms as Lift Off! hit the first place. And when Verses of April followed suit, I thought this girl is on fire…and about time, too! Congratulations once again for such an accomplishment. Youโve proved that we can face our fears and move you forward, instead of staying stuck paralyzed. Thatโs really inspiring.
Do you plan for each poetry book to stand alone, or are you building a body of work with a theme that connects these books?
VZ: If youโd asked me this a few weeks ago, I wouldnโt have had an answer. But now, Iโm beginning to see a pattern of healing running through my collections. I realised belatedly that Iโd labelled Verses of April Volume 1, so now Iโm committed to volume 2, 3 and so on. Itโll be a challenge to keep up with National Poetry Monthโs theme every year but Iโm looking forward to it.
I wish I could say Iโm โbuilding a body of workโ but nah…Iโm not that sophisticated. Iโm just going with the flow and enjoying the process.
KR: Any book (poetry or in another genre) youโre working on right now?
VZ: Actually, Iโve been working on another poetry chapbook called Smiles Under Pillows, and it’s coming out on August 29th. Itโs a collection of poems that elicit/elicited/could elicit different smiles, from sweet to bitter. The title was inspired by the fact that a smile is most certainly an inevitable event. Smiles may be happy, sad, painful, rueful, malicious, perplexed, smug, fake, victorious, or even Sisyphean. They can also be disarming or protective. Thereโs always a hidden meaning buried under a smile.
KR: Fantastic news! That’s certainly something to smile about; another poetry book to delight in. Readers do check it out!
In closing, poetry books donโt often get much publicity. Do you have any poetry book you’ve read recently to recommend?
VZ: Youโre right. Poetry in but a few cases will generate publicity and revenue. Most of us read and write poetry for the sheer love of it. My favourite is Kalakuta Republic by Chris Abani; a Nigerian poet. The book is about a political prisonerโs experience in a late 1980โs Nigeria, I recommend it for itโs visceral quality and excellent writing.
Thank you, Vivian.
p.s. All excerpts and images used with author’s permission.
Over to you, poetry lovers. If you have a remark or question for the poet, feel free to continue the conversation in the comments section. Thank you for reading!
To read more about how these kind of features work, see details conversations with poets on my contact page.
Wonderful interview. Interesting and inspiring. Thank you, Khaya and Vivian!
Thank you so much H for reading. I’m super pleased to hear you found the conversation interesting and inspiring.
What a great interview, Khaya and Vivian. I like learning about all the different influences that impact Vivian’s poetry. I think that must be true of most poets, but it’s interesting to have the experience so thoughtfully expressed. Congrats to Vivian on her books. <3
Ooh, this is such a fantastic interview! So many profound answers. Vivian’s responses about dreaming and fear especially resonated with me…
I’m so glad you liked reading about Vivian’s influences. I find it interesting too, to learn about these experiences that work as a catalyst to the writing process. I think it helps us readers understand poet’s work a bit better. Thank you for taking time to read Diana, I do appreciate. <3
Yay, lovely to see you here. ๐ Yes, Vivian is a deep poet her answers are profound. She speaks of the things many of us can relate to. I’m glad they resonated with you as well. Thanks Heather for reading.
That’s so true! I love knowing something about the authors as I read their work. It enriches the experience. ๐
Great piece. This line stands out for me…
To stop dreaming is like a living death.
I often say I don’t understand poetry. I’ve tried to do verse on occasion but prose and poetry I don’t get… yet, sometimes the words just arrive… so, now I think I understand a little better, thanks to your post and Vivian’s candid words.
Now, I’m wondering… maybe I should send on a few of my so-called “poems”… you could give me your ๐ or ๐… ๐. I think I’m grown-up enough to handle your verdict! ๐
Thanks for sharing this interesting story about Vivian. I like poetry that I can understand! My best wishes to her on her writing.
This was a very interesting interview, I think it’s nice to know a little more about our Authors.
Congratulations to Vivien to on her books ๐
All the best Jan
Thank you so much Cynthia for your encouraging comment. Much appreciated.
I think so too, Jan. I like knowing a bit about the story behind the story / poem / book. Glad you fine the interview interesting. Thank you for reading. ๐
You are welcome.
I definitely feel that music-poetry connection in some of my favorite songs. The songs Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits, and When You Were Young by the Killers are the ones I think of off the top of my head. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself here Vivian.
Thanks to you too Rommy for reading. Much appreciated!
You have no idea how super pleased I am to hear that this conversation with Vivian has given you a bit of understanding. And you even have a take-away, “To stop dreaming is like a living death.” Now, I hope you are also brave enough to send your poems out into the world. Blogging them is another effective way of gauging if the reader can connect. All the best. ๐
Mmmm… the world may not be ready… yet! ๐
๐ ๐
Thank you everyone! I do apologise for my tardiness in catching up with your encouraging comments. A big ‘thank you’ also to Khaya for organising this! I’m very, very grateful ๐ ๐
Thanks to you Viv for taking time to chat with us. Much appreciated!
Thanks Khaya! ๐ ๐
๐๐พ
Hi Khaya, Iโve got a free ( till Saturday) pressie for you๐. I felt so encouraged by all the comments. Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3ZQZNB
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X3ZQZNB
Oh, wow! Congrats Viv with the publication. And many thanks for the gift, I just downloaded my copy. ๐
You’re most welcome Khaya…I hope it’s ok (nervous) ๐
Yay!!๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
What a great interview!!!! Thanks for introducing us to Vivian!! Big Hugs!
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading. ๐๐ฝ Big Hugs!!