Isolation
By AS
Trapped inside your own mind,
no human contact takes a toll in time.
Have seen many lose their mind;
but to some only the strong survive
It affects many differently,
but all mentally and physically.
It’s not a place for a human being;
either animals have time to roam.
Being caged in like endangered species is not for any
I witness this isolation;
I live in this isolation;
Taking one day at a time
while occupying your time is the mentality of many.
As one focus on life they grow in time and
with every hardship comes ease and in the
end one will free his mind
Peace
AS wrote this while in solitary confinement.
11 Comments
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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.
Wow, I loved this! The use of repetition really made me feel how you felt. I liked how you broke up lines which helped create tension. Keep writing! You have a true talent.
SO POWERFUL. And to know that this individual was in solitary confinement, just wow.
We are all in this together and we “owe each other a terrible loyalty.” No person should be an island or made to feel like one. Thank you for your words and insight!
As I read this, I realize I haven’t never been isolated without a choice. I can imagine that being taken away but how you describe the feeling and how you come to terms with isolation is very real and inspiring. Continue to write so that others will hear and understand. You will make a difference.
The idea of the mind being a trap because there is not outlet resonates. Isolation might be one of the most difficult things for a human to endure. I’m struck by way you draw your reader through the trap of the mind to the idea that hardship is followed by ease and eventually freedom of the mind. That’s some serious introspection. Ending with “Peace”–thanks for sharing this.
Stay strong. I hope that writing brings you the peace you need.
A stunning piece. Reminiscent of the realities of depression, it was a twist to read it was about solitary confinement. The greatest power we possess is our mind, which you exemplify beautifully here, particularly “one will free your mind”, though it needn’t be the end. A beautiful, viceral piece.
Hey AS,
Your poem is moving to me, and I agree with what it says: that no one should be subject to forced isolation. I hope things have improved, and that the end of your poem has come true for you. Keep writing!
AS,
Moving poem and I’m sorry that you were shut into solitary confinement where many negative thoughts take root. But, you’re doing an amazing job of not letting it keep you down. You’re using the time wisely by using it to grow as a person, to be hopeful, and to not give into those dark thought processes. You really have a way with words that paints vivid pictures in the mind for readers, such talent!
This is such a beautifully written poem and speaks volumes on the hurt and pain of isolation. Truly I cannot imagine the toll that solitary confinement takes on someone and how one can get through it. Thank you so much for writing this and giving us a glimpse into your mind and your experiences. I hope you are at “peace” and that things have gotten better.
This piece is amazing. Like other commenters, I first thought this poem might be about something else: the realities of depression, or maybe in this pandemic day and age, the feelings of isolation we experienced in quarantine. It was quite the shock to read that this was about solitary confinement, but also honestly a slap in the face with reality. I was also struck by the amount of growth in the short piece, how you first described solitary confinement as isolation, trapped, and a punishment, but then switched to a growth mindset to think about it as “taking one day at a time” and focusing on growth in order to free the mind. Thank you for sharing this powerful poem!