Creative expression is a force to be reckoned with when it comes from a place of genuine self-reflection and empowerment. Wise beyond her years and poised to take center stage in the story of her life, Durango's Rising Poet Laureate Zoe Golden shares what gets her pen moving and keeps her feet on solid ground.
When/how did you discover your passion for writing poetry?
Before I was introduced to poetry, I wrote songs to express myself. In third grade, my teacher had our class write poems. She selected one of mine for our school talent show. Being on stage reading something I poured my heart into, I developed a passion for writing and performing poetry.
What inspires your poetry?
My muse is my heart and mind and how they experience life. I write about the challenges of having mental illnesses and the beauty of growing through them. I also write about love, experiencing teenage love, learning self-love, and the love of life.
What is your creative process?
Seclusion. I enjoy writing in the peace of my bedroom or a quiet outdoor space. I prefer to have music playing, and I always bring two poetry books to read sections from before I write.
Who is your favorite poet, and why?
My favorite poet right now is Amanda Gorman. Her work as an activist and a poet is incredibly admirable, and I love her poetry because of its rhythm, which immediately ignites her readers' passion.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I have always dreamed of living and studying in a large city like New York, Seattle, or Portland. I want to explore a more social/political career rather than solely make a living as a poet. However, once I turn 18, I already have a couple of manuscripts prepared to submit for publishing, and being a poet is my main priority.
What advice or encouragement would you give to an aspiring young poet or writer?
First and foremost, write for yourself. It is a wonderful experience to have the world appreciate your work, but the words originate in our hearts, and in our souls. They are birthed from our trauma and our triumphs. Don't get caught up in what other people want you to be.
be lightning
the world is a museum
of what others have that we don’t,
that we want.
envy guards our gates.
happiness scoffs at our need to be others,
she begs for you to burn the bridge of jealousy,
figure out it’s hearsay
to hate what your mother gave you.
i promise the pine trees don’t want
to be aspens.
i am soft where you have edges,
i promise we need both
the water and the flame.