February is here and every aspiring poet knows what that means… it’s nearly time for the Kent County Poetry Contest! This renowned poetry contest, which is sponsored by the Dyer-Ives Foundation, has a similar format from years past. An aspiring poet may submit up to five original, unpublished poems between February 1 and March 1. Check out the details for yourself at the following website address: dyer-ives.org/02_programs_annual_poetry.php. This amazing opportunity for the poets of West Michigan is made even more exciting by the addition of David Cope, the contest's new manager.
David, protégé of the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg, was delighted to take on the role. When his friend Linda Nemec Foster, former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, recommended him for the position, David was pleased to be a part of the contest that jump-started his career. In 1971 and 1972, David won the adult division of the Kent County Poetry Contest, but is quick to point out that “When one is young, contests are a good way to get a sense of what makes for good writing, though winning a contest doesn’t mean that one has found a true vision and voice.”
David’s thirst for poetry began at a young age and only became stronger as his life progressed. In his early years David was open to everything. He enjoyed kayaking on the river near his house and was an avid writer until his parents divorced. It was then that he dabbled in gang activity but didn’t receive the same joy that poetry gave to him, so he soon left the gang and began to focus fully on his writing.
It has always been important to David to be seen as an anonymous working man. He took a job as a janitor at an inner city school and simply observed the life around him. When a torn calf muscle made it too painful to continue janitorial work, David became a teacher. Currently, David is a professor at Grand Rapids Community College, teaching Women’s Studies, drama, creative writing, and Shakespeare. One of David’s greatest accomplishments is his archive of poems at the University of Michigan. David’s immense talent will be available for all to see and be inspired by.
David’s topics in poetry range from personal experiences to inspired pieces. David believes that “one must faithfully record one’s own life, the times that one lives in as best as one understands them, and the people that are a part of that time.” After reading a number of David’s poems I feel the joy, sorrow, longing, and questioning that pervades his life. The poem “Antietam” resonated deeply within me. This poem confronts the ever present subject of war and the differing ways people view and accept it.
In past years deaths in David’s family have caused him to view “the same tapestries with different eyes” and this is greatly reflected in his work. David’s proudest accomplishment is without a doubt his marriage to his wife Suzanne for 39 years. They share three children whom they love dearly. Hopefully this illustrious man will continue to inspire those around him with his laid back personality of peace, love, and happiness for years to come. The day that we can “All wake to save the planet, kiss & make up, honor your heart & your neighbor's heart” is the day that David’s largest dream will be fulfilled.