Don't Ask What Poetry Can Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Poetry

Calling all poets! The Humanities Council of Greater Grand Rapids is awaiting nominations for selecting the fourth Poet Laureate of the city. According to the Humanities Council, the Poet Laureate is "an ambassador for poetry, creating programs and projects that foster the writing and reading of poetry by the public."

A rare post among American cities, the Poet Laureate is a private 501c3 non-profit, three-year position sprouted from a competitive grant by way of the Michigan Humanities Council. The position was established in 2003 by the Humanities Council of Greater Grand Rapids, appointing renowned poet Linda Nemec Foster to the post for two years.

"The main focus [of the Laureate] is to connect with the community," says Foster, who also sits on the selection committee. "Aside from writing poems for local historical events, the Laureate is meant to advocate for poetry now. Michigan is a creative bed for poetry. The diverse talent around is astounding."

What may have drawn the Humanities Council to Foster was her strong history in community poetry workshops throughout the state with an emphasis on children, grades K-12. Although Foster commemorated several city events in verse (her first being the nostalgic poem "Beginnings" for the grand re-opening of the Grand Rapids Public Library's main branch, coincidentally, on her first day) her legacy lies in her community projects. After her appointment, she spearheaded a community relations blitzkrieg, not only performing but supporting readings throughout the city from museums, libraries and schools. Replicating her past, Foster implemented the now long-running Creative Writers in Schools Program. It might not be hard to say that she serves as an archetype for the position.

Foster was followed by Patricia Clark, award-winning Poet-in-Residence and professor of writing at Grand Valley State University. Clark approached the position with a sense of excitement and responsibility, ready to share her enthusiasm with the public. Clark admits that the audience for poetry is small, "but that it is a passionate and dedicated one."

She was succeeded by lauded poetry teacher Rodney Torreson in 2008. Torreson was the first Poet Laureate to serve a three-year term and may best be remembered during his term for launching the online youth poetry journal Through the Third Eye, a place where both children and adults may cultivate a sense of place.

In an unprecedented move, the Humanities Council determined to open the position up for public nomination at the end of Torreson's tenure, widening the pool of applicants. According to Humanities Council Executive Director Nurya Love Parish, a nominee's poetry should be reflective of the community; a wonderful example of the genre and should not be intimidated by previous titleholders. The position is for those who can offer leadership to what poetry can be and can raise community awareness and involvement. It doesn't matter whether the strength of a nominee's poetry lies on the page or through performance. Regardless of style or substance, one thing is a constant definite: that the public becomes engaged one way or another. Within the next year, the Humanities Council hopes to strengthen the poetry scene and the ease the Poet Laureate's work with an informative resource listing for poets including writing programs, workshops and readings for those not in the know. Depending on the success and utilization of the resources, Parish believes an online resource will follow. Such a guide would surely be beneficial and offer a springboard for future Poet Laureates. In a sense, anything is possible.

"I would love having more contemporary poetry read in schools... and (to have) teachers invite poets into their classrooms," says Clark on what would be ideal for improving the state of poetry in Grand Rapids.

Asked if she has advice for nominees, Foster states, "Look at your own work and what could be considered a fit for the city. There are many excellent poets out there that should be encouraged and not intimidated by this. Be open to the qualifications. Be open to everything. Be ready to be generous with your time and to especially promote others. Advocate for poetry now and be energetic. No PhD. required."

"It's a delightful role to play and may give inspiration to your writing," Clark adds.

Poets can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Nominees are expected to have published poetry in notable publications (publication of a full volume of poetry is preferable), won awards or recognition in their field and must have resided in or around the Grand Rapids metro area for the past five years. Special attention will be paid to poetic contributions to the community. Nominees should also include a publication history, cover letter, five sample poems, contact information and descriptions of community service in Grand Rapids. Nominations can be submitted to the Humanities Council of Greater Grand Rapids, P.O. Box 230262, Grand Rapids, MI 49523, or e-mailed to Hannah Green, [email protected]. Deadline is Oct. 30. The Humanities Council Board will make a decision in January publicly announced in April, National Poetry Month. The poet will serve a three-year term, from April 2011 to April 2014.

Matt Simpson Siegel is a Michigan-based writer whose work has appeared in many magazines and websites, on stages, screens, and radio. His most recent works include the nihilistic comedy "GR30K" and an acerbic dining column with REVUE magazine.

Photographs:

Nurya Love Parish (4)

Photographs by Josh Tyron -All Rights Reserved

Patricia Clark courtesy of Stan Krohmer

Linda Nemec Foster courtesy of Robert Turney