Late poet lives on through annual Levis Reading Prize

Matthew Donovan recalls the time a graduate school friend recommended he check out some of Larry Levis’ writings. He walked into the bookstore and cracked it open and remembers “feeling as if Levis was directly whispering in my ear.” He immediately felt a sense of affinity and engagement with Levis’ writing. From then on, Levis’ work would have an influence on Donovan’s life and style.

Donovan, an assistant professor of creative writing at the College of Sante Fe, is the recipient of the 2008 Levis Reading Prize-a prize awarded in memory of the late Larry Levis for the best first or second book of poetry published in the previous year. In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Donovan was provided with an all-expenses paid trip to read his poetry at VCU.

Greg Donovan, Levis’ friend and colleague stood at the front of the room. Two propped-up speakers on the podium in front of him blared the voice of Larry Levis reading one of his own poems. Donovan looked down at the podium, a reminiscent grin creeping across his face. Matthew Donovan sat in the front row, his hand laid across his mouth. Many in the audience listened with eyes closed and fists placed under the chin.

Greg Donovan, VCU associate professor of English, is one of the coordinators of this yearly event and takes his duties very seriously.

“It’s my job to evoke the memory of Larry Levis,” Donovan said.

In addition to Donovan, Levis has left a lasting impression on the many he left behind.

“He’s become a figure among certain circles,” said David Freed, an artist and one of Levis’ closest friends.

“He’s more powerful in his death,” said former student Joshua Poteat who said he would be a completely different writer were it not for Levis.

“There is no contemporary poet that is more important to my own writing,” Matthew Donovan said from the podium. Friends and colleagues looked on with nods and smiles.

Levis’ work and life continue to influence the creative writing life at VCU.

Greg Donovan said he is welcoming new students and faculty to VCU, who desire to attain Levis’ status as a writer. “As long as we have the Levis Prize, we will have a chance to remember him,” Donovan said.

This year is the 11th anniversary of Levis’ death, as well as the annual reading prize. An audio recording of the poetry reading, as well as a question and answer session with Matthew Donovan will be posted at www.blackbird.vcu.edu.