Desiree’: a poet, glad you know it

Desiree’: a poet, glad you know it

by Earlene Ward

Yosemite High School District

Desiree’ Goss, a Yosemite High School sophomore, started writing poetry when she was 9 years old as a way to express her sorrow over the death of her father when she was 7.

Since then, she has turned to writing, mainly poetry, as a way to say what she can’t say any other way.

Writing poetry is “the only way I can ever say anything to express myself,” she says. “Writing is my safe place where I go when nothing else makes sense.”

Desiree’ has been recognized twice in recent weeks for her poetry. The International Library of Poetry and poetry.com awarded her the Editor’s Choice Award and the International Society of Poets has nominated her as the 2001 World Champion Amateur-Poet.

She has also recently been notified that she has been nominated for the next edition of Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

When she was in the eighth grade, Desiree’ won a gold medal in the essay competition through MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement), which is a program for Native American students. Desiree’ and her family are federally recognized Chukchansi.

Writing is not something she can do on demand, she says. “Writing comes when it comes, if it’s going to be any good, it has to be all me on my own.” She says it is very difficult for her to write to specific guidelines and timeframes.

Desiree’s mother, Maylene Berry, is grateful that her daughter has found an outlet for her emotions instead of holding them in. She is also thankful for the teachers who have encouraged and supported Desiree’ through the years. “Apparently the school is doing a good job,” she says, “because her writing is improving.”

Mrs. Berry is proud of her daughter’s achievements, commenting “big things come out of small places.” For Desiree’ to be among the 5% of students nationwide who are nominated for Who’s Who is also an achievement for the school, Mrs. Berry says.

The International Society of Poets will hold an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in August. If Desiree’ is able to attend, she will read her poetry to the gathering and she will be formally inducted as an International Poet of Merit and Honored Member of the Society.

Whether or not she will be able to travel to Washington, DC depends on funding. She will try to raise the necessary money this summer to allow her to make the trip.

Although she says she will always write for pleasure, Desiree’ does not plan to make writing her career. She plans to attend Northwestern University in Louisiana to study to be a kindergarten teacher.

She lived in Louisiana as a young child, moving to California when she was in the fourth grade.

When asked if she would like to make any comments about her honors, Desiree’ said “I am pleased that we live where the newspaper publishes good news about students.”

The poem for which she received the Editor’s Choice Award is entitled If You Go.

If You Go

Desiree’ Future Goss

If you go, remember me.

Smile, when you think of us together.

Don’t ever forget my name, or let my smile fade in the past.

If you go,

Remember I’m the one who loved you

And knew our friendship would last.

I never gave up on you,

Not even in your darkest moments.

And I always knew it was your heart

And my laughter that were our strongest components.

But if and when you do go,

Don’t dare forget to say goodbye.

Because it’s those little moments we regret until we die.

If I knew it would be the last time

That I’d see you walk away,

I’d hug you and kiss you and wish that you could stay.

If you go, tell me,

I surely need to know.

Because as much as I love you,

I can’t bear to let you go.