Uncovering the unknown realms of poetry with Zac : An interesting overlap of poetry, unforgettable bonds, and a curious canine
“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.”
– William Wordsworth
“Did you say your dog, Zac, listens intently to Wordsworth poems?" I asked Mr. Pramod Shankar, disbelief tinging my voice. "He does!" he replied. "Mr. Pramod," I continued, "you're a master storyteller, but that sounds a bit..." A smile appeared on his lips as he interrupted, "Join us at 'Poetry with Zac,' and you'll see it's no exaggeration.”
Beyond walks and tail wags, our conversations about our
pets often revolve around their love and how they weave themselves into our
lives. They seem to be chasing cows and cats off the street one moment and are
seemingly fixated on random things another moment. Their inner lives seem to be
a mystery and some unexpected conversations, like Mr. Pramod’s story, make me
wonder who they really are. Intrigued by the notion of 'Poetry with Zac,' I
decided to delve deeper.
So, I called Mr. Pramod Shankar over a weekend to dig into more details about Zac and Poetry with Zac. Zac's fascination with poetry, not to mention music (oh yes, he listens to music too!), fuelled my excitement about writing this piece. I had to tell his story to the world and possibly meet him at the poetry session over Suleimani chai and snacks.
How did Poetry with Zac
come into the picture?
Pramod:
It all started when Zac was around 3 or 4 years
old. We noticed a curious thing – whenever music played or poetry was read
aloud, Zac would be right there, seemingly soaking it all in. One day, my son
was playing Jack Johnson on the music system, and Zac, mid-play, just stopped
and came over to listen. Seeing him enjoy spending time with us while we
listened to music or read poetry was heartwarming.
My friend Celia and I, have been planning to start a poetry circle and
Zac’s curiosity was a sign. His enthusiasm was the push we needed and, 'Poetry
with Zac' was born. Since then, it's been a wonderful experience. Not only has
Zac made a whole new bunch of friends, but so have we.
A mandatory picture with the host, Zac
When did you host the first session of Poetry with Zac?
Pramod: My wife and I hosted the first session about 6 years ago
and the turnover was overwhelming with nearly 35 people. Zac, of course, stole
the show, as always. We started meeting regularly, and the group steadily grew.
It became a vibrant space where people explored their love of poetry, sharing
their work and discussing the works of others. Each session deepened our
connection and we saw people not just reading poems, but truly imbuing them
with their own emotions. It became a safe place to share their work and find
their voice.
The pandemic didn't dampen our spirits. As we moved to online sessions, the response was just as enthusiastic. Now, settled in our new house with a lovely backyard, we've found the perfect spot to host our in-person gatherings again. People flock to the sessions – to share their poetry, engage in thoughtful discussions, and, of course, spend time with our furry muse, Zac. It's become a haven for creative expression, driven by a shared love of poetry and a warm cup of tea and snacks with friends.
How is Zac during Poetry
with Zac sessions?
Pramod: For Poetry with Zac sessions, we have a special tradition. Zac dons a little tie, his special dress for the day, transforming into the official 'man of the evening.' He is excited and adorned, ready to greet his guests at the front gate.
Independent by nature, Zac doesn't demand constant attention. He navigates through the sessions gracefully, sometimes mingling with the guests, other times settling comfortably beside the reader, captivated by their words. His presence is a constant thread, adding a touch of warmth and wonder to our poetry gatherings.
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Poetry with Zac
How did Poetry with Zac
influence your perspective and poetry writing?
Pramod: Ah! Well, that’s an
interesting question. These sessions have been incredibly enriching for me. As
a creative person who thrives on connections, Poetry with Zac has fostered a
space for meaningful conversations and inspiring encounters. Meeting such a
diverse range of talented poets has been a privilege. Their work has challenged
my perspectives and ignited a new spark within me.
It's truly a collaborative learning experience for everyone involved. So
many gifted poets out there deserve a wider audience, and these gatherings
provide a platform for their voices to be heard and appreciated. It fuels
motivation, builds connections, and ultimately, celebrates the beauty of poetry
in all its forms.
What do you look forward to
the most? Is it collaboration or conversation?
Pramod: It’s a mix of both plus the
intimacy of the group. In a world where
we hesitate to share our feelings and the relationships are very transactional
and shallow, Poetry with Zac has become an oasis for people to vent their
vulnerabilities and share their opinions.
Take our last online session, for instance. Unplanned, the theme became a
celebration of mothers (with a few touching tributes to fathers as well). The
poems explored the complexities of these relationships, some brimming with
emotions, others introspective and nuanced. Yet, a common thread ran through
them all – a sense of comfort, a space where judgment is replaced by empathy.
It's these heartfelt exchanges that make Poetry with Zac so unique. It
nourishes the soul, a place where time seems to melt away as we connect over
poetry and our passion for it.
How often do you conduct
these sessions?
Pramod: Mostly once a month, either
online or offline.
Lastly, what inspired you
to be a poet?
Pramod: I’m not just a poet but a storyteller
too. Even as a child, my imagination ran wild. My mom tells me that at the age of 2, I would tell her
stories of my imaginary Chinese friend, a tree that can treat any disease, and
many more.
I hail from a family of writers
whose works have been published and my natural inclination to writing began
when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I started writing poems when I was 13 years
old. Even though my initial works were not that great, I managed to keep my
passion alive. I remember my English teacher was disappointed with my work and asked
me to read more before writing again.
I self-published my first book when I was 21 and my next book was published
by a known publishing house. Since then, there has been no turning back. I
published three more books since then, two poetry and non-fiction which are
available on Amazon. I’m also a performing artist and a part of a poetry and
music band.
The last session of Poetry with Zac was hosted on 25th May in Bangalore. This
was a special one as Zac is turning 10, this year. Cheers!
Follow Pramod and Zac at https://www.instagram.com/shankarpramod/?hl=en and https://www.facebook.com/poetrywithzac/
References:
1.
Poetry with Zac https://www.facebook.com/poetrywithzac/
2.
Poetry groups
record increased https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/poetry-groups-record-increased-interest-2943804
Who is Zac?
Zac is Pramod’s 10-year-old cocker spaniel.
Nice blog 👍👍👍
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