Comfort Zone
By GD
I cannot roam outside of my comfort zone
For I’m only comfortable within my skin
See, being lock down in a pen creates a new set of rules when it comes to comfort
For about 20 years now, my comfort zone’s been inside my dome
Only in my mind can I seek to stay in bounds
You know, the realm of true comfort lies in sanity
Anything outside of that is “INSANITY!”
I can only hold on to what’s in my head
Only to realize that I’m holding on by a thread
They try to force me out of my comfort zone
But I can side step with the best of them
As long as I keep my head in the game
I’ll always be ahead in the game
My comfort zone cannot be breached
It is guarded by the strongest of walls
Though I’m trapped behind the tallest of walls
I remain in my zone
And I find solace in my dome
You can create the most uncomfortable circumstances
And I’ll remain standing…in the zone of my comfort
Because my comfort zone is in my dome!
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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.
Hello GD,
I agree that sometimes the only place of comfort we can find is within ourselves and in our heads. No matter where we are, we can always rest assured that our mind will stay the same. As long as we hold on to our beliefs, no one can force us to do things we do not want to do. Our character will always remain the same regardless of what they spit at us.
Hi GD! I hope you are doing well. I really enjoyed a lot of things about your poem. I really enjoyed how the same words are repeated or combined into one word in order to deliver a new message. The theme of comfort is also carried nicely throughout the poem. However, some of your lines come off cheesy or cliché. Overall, good work!
I admire the message of strength in this poem. This pieces creates an image in my mind’s eye of physical walls being built within the body, securing away the most precious pieces of yourself. Though people or circumstances may try, the author does not let break them into their “dome”. This piece really makes me reflect on the importance of mental strength. No matter what situation you are in, you can’t lose who you are.
“The realm of true comfort lies in sanity”, this line stuck with me and is very strong. The message of only having your own mind to keep you comforted because it’s the only thing you can control is intense.
GD,
Very interesting poem. You’re exploring coping mechanisms for people that are incarcerated, which a lot of us never think of. I also liked how it’s relatable because for a lot of us your mind is where you’re most comfortable. It’s great to see that you’re holding onto your inner strength and you’re a wonderful writer!
I keep coming back to the first lines of this poem: “I cannot roam outside of my comfort zone
For I’m only comfortable within my skin…” SO TRUE for all of us. I love the way the poem moves from this bare bones statement of comfort, which feels like confinement, loneliness, trapped within one’s self, to the final, jubilant lines: “You can create the most uncomfortable circumstances
And I’ll remain standing…in the zone of my comfort
Because my comfort zone is in my dome!”
The poet’s joyous spirit is palpable here–you cannot disrupt my comfort zone, because I am it, it is me! It’s the ultimate power and freedom, really, to be able to be comfortable anywhere and no matter what. Thank you for this thoughtful poem.
GD,
This poem is really thought-provoking. I like the concept of your comfort zone being within your skin. It’s so great that you feel secure in who you are. A lot of times people say you have to step out of your comfort zone, but it’s a really interesting and powerful idea that to move forward you have to be comfortable in your comfort zone, that is you have to be at peace with who you are. Also, I like how you communicate your thoughts, like when you say “Though I’m trapped behind the tallest of walls, I remain in my zone”. Your style is very elegant and sleek. Keep up the good work!
I can relate to this piece in many ways. Oftentimes I get lost in my own thoughts and just completely leave the real world, if even just for a minute, to escape the things that haunt me in real life. It’s easier to just escape to that comfort zone where everything is safe, has its rightful place and there is no chaos. I can definitely appreciate this piece, keep up the great work.
Fantastic poem GD! My favorite line of the poem is “Only to realize that I’m holding on by a tread.” It shows the difficulty with dealing with mental health while incarcerated in a very real fashion. You also has a nice rhyme and rhythm going that makes it sound clean and professional. I am glad you have found a way to stay calm and collected despite your circumstances. Our “domes” are our greatest weapon, thank you for sharing! Keep persevering and creating poems!
CD
Your poem is rythmic and determined to express the clarity of how you discovered how to stay inside your private fortress; your own beautiful mind. You unlocked the mystery of survival no matter how insane your surroundings. I admire how you express strong will and enormouse STRENGTH.
THANK YOU
Dianne
I really enjoyed this poem. It was really deep and I get where you are coming from with being in your comfort zone. For me, and most people its hard to get out of your comfort zone because all you know is what is in your comfort zone. When you leave that you don’t feel a sense of security and everything is unknown.
Hi GD! Honestly, I think you have a gift. This poem was both a well written literary work, but also gave me insight on who you are/your state of mind. I love your strength and confidence in yourself. I am very impressed with your work. I would encourage you to continue writing pieces like this and sharing them with the people closest to you. I think they will have the same opinion about your gift. 🙂
I really enjoyed the part about keeping your head in the game. I think this is very important. Focusing on yourself and not worrying about the people around you will be beneficial in many aspects of your life! You cannot control many things in life, but the one thing that you can control is yourself and what you choose to focus on.
GD,
I felt as if you used this poem to really express this sense of confinement that seemed to keep you strong and helps you get through anything. “My comfort zone cannot be breached. It is guarded by the strongest of walls. Though I’m trapped behind the tallest of walls.” That was my favorite line. I encourage you to continue using this play on metaphors to describe your feelings in your poetry.
I want to start by thanking you for such a powerful and vulnerable poem. There were so many layers to it. I can relate to you on one end, as I know it’s hard to step out of my comfort zone. People always say stepping out of it is what makes you grow, but how and when you do that is a whole other story! You have a lot of talent, so please keep writing if it’s your passion. I think a great way to step out of your comfort zone just a little is to do it through your writing – write about the insanity.
I really enjoyed this poem GD. I liked how you used the physical barrier you face to relate to how you feel inside your own skin. I relate to the struggle on not being unable to leave the comfort zone that is your own head. Your strength and perseverance really come through in this poem. Keep on writing and let others hear your mind.
GD, I think this is an unusual topic and you have explained it really well. This is an excellent ending:
You can create the most uncomfortable circumstances
And I’ll remain standing…in the zone of my comfort
Because my comfort zone is in my dome!
CD, this poem was so intriguing. It really drew in my attention and made me rethink my own comfort zone. What may cause the “walls” of your comfort zone to break? This is something that I think about a lot.
Thank you for sharing this poem! It is so personal and true, that I immediately can think of how it is relatable to be stuck inside a comfort zone. This poem shows struggle and realizations, which are some components that contribute to a really meaningful poem that has a lasting impact on people. Great job!
GD I like how your poem speaks to the psychological aspects of being in prison and how you cope with finding inner peace. Donovan
GD,
This is amazing and thank you for opening up like this. Your poem resonates even more strongly during these times. I really like how you detailed that when there is no where else to go, your mind has become a safe haven which helps you deal with your circumstances. The poem is able to show just how strong-minded and resilient you are. The lines, “you can create the most uncomfortable circumstances/ And I’ll remain standing” show incredible strength and I hope that you continue to find solace within your inner self. Once again, great poem!
Awesome work here, GD! I really appreciate your use of powerful imagery to show how you continue to keep yourself in a comfort zone despite adversity. I like the use of wordplay where you say
“As long as I keep my head in the game
I’ll always be ahead in the game”
This exhibits your focus on staying in your mental comfort zone while being clever and creative.
I am in awe of your willpower and strength. Your mind is the only thing sacred and if you protect it you will remain in power. I am so impressed by your writing and I hope you continue to find escape through your poetry.
I thought your piece was incredibly powerful and I feel as if I can relate to it very well. Throughout the entirety of my life, I have always lived corresponding to my comfort zone so that I can ensure my own safety and mental well being. Risk always stresses me out, going beyond my comfort zone deteriorates my mentality. I always think too much about possible outcomes of certain events or actions if I perform them. Too much risk makes me feel vulnerable and weak. So I prefer to stay within my comfort zone, as it gives me that sense of security, as nobody knows you better than yourself, so do what makes you feel the safest, especially during tough times.
GD-
I love your adaptability, when you are your own zone and controller, you can persevere and overcome all obstacles. Your voice is uniquely yours and translates through the page in a moving way. Please keep creating! You have a perspective that needs to be shared!
Read more books. They have helped my sanity profoundly
Hi! I really enjoyed the rhyming aspect of your poem. You emphasizing dome really adds a special element to your poem:) I really enjoyed reading your poem.
Your poem is excellent and motivating. My favorite part is when you say you will keep your head in the game and always be ahead in the game. I think your focus and strength shine through your words. Thank you for sharing them with us.
I think this is a great poem with a lot of meaning. One line that stuck out to me was “For about 20 years now, my comfort zone’s been inside my dome”. I am turning twenty in September and I always think about my comfort zone being who I am as a person. I think you are right one of the greatest principles in life is not letting others or things alter what you stand for and who you are as a person.
This is so inspiring!
Your poem “Comfort Zone” is truly so powerful, every word every line comes together to paint such a strong message. Stay strong, your internal strength prevails through your writing, I’d love to read more by you!
To GD, I understand completely what it’s like to feel safe inside your comfort zone. I actually have anxiety and it’s hard for me to be my true self around others. Your words are so strong and I’m so glad you were able to put something so hard for most people to realize into words. How has it been since reflecting on this? Have you found individuals who expand your comfort zone beyond your mind? I loved your use of the dome. Is the dome becoming more transparent? You have a beautiful mind, and I hope you start sharing it with others by writing more poems.
Sincerely,
S
GD,
This is so uplifting and positive. Even in tough times you are able to find solace and grit in your mind and persevere. I hope you continue to be strong and continue to write great poems!
I wanted to firstly mention, GD, that this is a beautiful piece of writing. While I was reading it I kept getting a pang in my chest. This was all too relatable. When you said, ‘I can only hold on to whats in my head, Only to realize that I’m only holding on by a thread’ I could only think of the times where I was barely hanging on, of when I was at my lowest, when i was at my weakest. But then you wrote, ‘My comfort zone cannot be breached, It’s guarded by the strongest of walls.’ I love the contrast of your words and how powerful the mind is. That while it can be the most fragile part of our selves, it is also the strongest. That no matter how many times we are knocked down that we can find it within ourselves to keep getting back up. It’s all about mindset and what you make of the situation. Thank you for your poem!
Reading your poem, one of my favorite phrases was: “But I can side step with the best of them.” The lines preceding this one all rhyme; sanity rhymes with insanity, and head rhymes with thread. So as a reader I expect a rhyme for zone, but instead you finish the line with ‘them.’ I REALLY like this break in rhyme, it emphasizes the line and draws attention to it. And I think that it’s right to draw attention to this, because this is the first point in the poem where you suggest that you’re able to prevail in what has up until this point been described as oppressive circumstances.
The line itself conjuges up two ideas for me. First I interpret your side-stepping “them” as meaning that you are able to stay in your comfort zone despite the attempts of the people who run the prison to force you out of it. Thinking a bit more, I realized that “side step with” really reminded me more of dancing, maybe something like waltzing? In this second interpretation, you’re doing more than just avoiding attempts to make you uncomfortable; you’re so skilled at staying in your comfort zone that, when someone tries to get you to leave, you play games with them.
I think another reason that I enjoyed reading this line is the repeated sounds in the words: the ‘s’ in ‘side’ and ‘step’, as well as the ‘th’ in ‘with’, ‘the,’ and ‘them’.
Take care, and thanks for sharing your poetry!
I really love this poem. It is so creative and well put, I can definitely get a feel for the writers headspace and I feel that it is very personal and strong.
Hello GD,
I find the creation of the comfort zone in your writing to be very interesting. You create this zone early on in the writing and it makes for a compelling piece as the reader progresses through the story. You use the words dome and zone a lot, these words could be strengthened by possibly rhyming those words with “alone”. For example, and I find solace in my dome, no matter if i’m alone. Just something to think about during your next writing session. I am a student currently at home during this Coronavirus pandemic and I too am confined to my small studio apartment. Not that my situation is anything close to your situation but this goes to show that even people on the outside can share types of comfort zones with people incarcerated. I would recommend you open up your comfort zone. At some point in time you will be free from your confinement and you will need to be ready to experience a new society, a society that has left you behind. To catch back up you will need to open up your comfort zone to grind your way back into the race of life. I would like to read more about this development of this type of ideology in your situation.
Looking forward to your next piece,
GM
GD,
I am very inspired by your poem. For years, many members of my family have struggled with depression and anxiety. Myself included. For me, finding solitude and peace come from when I am alone and able to clearly contemplate my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It is an overall less stressful environment. Thank you for voicing your thoughts because I share in many of them too.
I really enjoyed your poem, it was so deep and meaningful. I really appreciate hearing your perspective on what it means to be in your comfort zone and how you are so determined to stay present and live in your comfort zone. I think that the way that you are motivated to stay in your comfort zone and to not lose your identity is really inspiring. Thank you for allowing me to read your poem and see from your perspective.
GD,
During times like this, it really does feel like everything on the outside is insanity and the only comfortable zone we have are our minds. Our minds are a world filled with thousands of emotions and creativity. To feel comfortable is soothing, freeing, and effortless. To step out of these zones feels like we’re entering some type of war zone.
I like how to describe the strength and power of your comfort zone. The environment that surrounds your zone has little power over your strongest asset, your mind. Continue to be strong and motivated. Keep your zone strong, yet soothing.
I loved your repetition of comfort zone and dome because it really reinforced the main point you are portraying to the reader! It was really nice to read and follow along I understood the predicament of the poem and could really feel the emotions through it. This is really great, I’d love to read more like this!
Thank You GD for putting into words something I can relate to. I’ve guarded myself so much I didn’t even let my own family close to me. And because of that, for the longest I felt like I had no home, still do sometimes. You’re mental is so important and I have been working on mine, but it can become you’re own solitary confinement as well. Keep writing and keep your head up. Your words speak stories and they’re powerful. Keep touching others from a distance.
Hello GD,
The poem you wrote gave great examples of how one has to remain true to oneself, more importantly to live comfortably with ourselves. There is always going to be others who try to bring us down and no matter the situation is it important to not let them get to us because we have to power of self-control.
I cannot imagine all the hardships you must be feeling being locked away and confined with in a concrete jungle. I want to avoid making you feel worse, so I am going to speak out my heart in relation to your beautiful poem. Credit needs to be given where credit is deserved, and my friend you are a great poet! Your topic of keeping a strong and focused mind is very important skill most humans should consider adopting. Life is not easy, but it really comes down to what you make of hit and how you react to situations.
“Only in my mind can I seek to stay in bounds, You know, the realm of true comfort lies in sanity” this quote in particular resonated deeply with me because you transcend the idea of mental jurisdiction. The message I read is: having control over your thoughts and emotions leads to someone being healthy/sane which is comforting. Mental health is such an important thing many people don’t even consider when they wake up in the morning. I feel you are very strong and you are fully aware of your mental state, and what you need to do in order to remain strong.
Based on your poem, I can tell you are a very prideful and loyal person. This poem is a great example that they can be short, but pack a powerful punch because your points are very clear. I want to encourage you to keep writing them because you are a very great writer! keep it up.
I am currently a student at San Jose State University and I can assure you I lack your figurative speech techniques, I cannot even compare. I cannot relate to your situation, but I want send you positive vibes and I wish you a prosperous future. Keep being strong and I know you will see a brighter future one day!
-carlos
I really liked how you had the parallels of feeling trapped mentally and physically to express where you’re at right now. I know what it’s like to feel as though all you’ve got is you. There’s power in self-assuredness and I can feel your strength shining through the poem despite your circumstances. Despite that though it’s important to not trap yourself in your own headspace, it took me a lot of time to open up to people and show a softer side of myself because I thought I had to stay guarded because of the childhood I had. Confiding with people and showing that side you want to protect really teaches you things about yourself that you didn’t even know and there’s also strength in being able to show that side. Stay strong!!
GD,
What an amazing and relatable poem. I am an introvert that used to be very shy and scared to talk. It was all in my head. However, I overcame my shyness. Stand Strong GD!
I really like the rhyme schema you used and going full circle with the word dome! Also it’s true sometimes when life throws absurd circumstances your way all it feels like is insanity, and I wish you all the best luck and I hope things get better for your comfort zone! your poetry rocks!
I really enjoyed this poem! I think you have a great talent within writing. I loved the way your words flowed and sometimes rhymed. The idea presented of not enjoying being out of your comfort zone was something I was able to connect with. I also enjoy being in my comfort zone. It makes me feel sane but also I think that sometimes we accomplish and see that we can truly conquer anything when we are out of that comfort zone and are uncomfortable with what is being presented to us. We get to learn more about ourselves from this. We can see that even our greatest struggles bring the best rewards and satisfaction. Keep up the great poetry writing you have an amazing talent!
When reading through this poem, I can only think about this from my perspective. I have long suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember, but I only seek peace in my own mind. It is very hard for me to talk to people about it, causing it to get worse, but I am glad knowing that someone out there is like me but is strong enough to put it into words and out into the world.
A wonderfully crafted poem with a brilliant rhyme scheme that really makes me think about what you’re describing from my perspective and through my eyes.
As someone who also finds comfort in living in their own head, I enjoyed reading this 🙂