The Comfort is in My Isolation - By Refiloe Khahliso Kofa

Written By: Refiloe Khahliso Kofa

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a striking piece titled "The Comfort is in My Isolation," Refiloe Khahliso Kofa offers a profound exploration of solitude and personal introspection. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, this poem delves into the emotional landscape of isolation. Through poignant imagery and heartfelt reflection, Kofa captures the complexity of seeking comfort in solitude amidst loss and longing.

About the Work

Refiloe Khahliso Kofa's poem resonates with themes of isolation, grief, and self-reflection. The work vividly portrays the emotional dichotomy of solitude as both a refuge and a reminder of personal sorrow. With an evocative style, Kofa uses imagery of daily life to underscore the lingering presence of absence. The poem's tone balances between melancholy and acceptance, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of comfort and isolation.

The comfort is in my isolation

Original Submission by Refiloe Khahliso Kofa

The Comfort is in my isolation

Pity, pity, pity me,

Left alone in despair.

It’s funny how I don’t care,

Because I could only be charmed

By your existence.

The comfort is in my isolation.

I see them holding hands and

Giggling with deep affections.

They tell me, “It’s okay”,

Well, I don’t care, that won’t bring

You back to my sorrowful life.

The comfort is in my isolation.

They say “Pray, God hears you”,

But where was God when I

Needed him to save your perishing soul.

Well, I don’t care about the coffee,

Its aroma will only make me tear.

The comfort is in my isolation.

Unwittingly, they bake me your

Best-loved cookies, they have

No idea about the falling crumbs

That precisely reminds me of my

Crumbling state of mind.

The comfort is in my isolation.

I would rather sit solo,

Play your favorite jam,

Cover myself in your warm

Fleece blanket and sob without

Anyone trying to shush me.

The comfort is in my isolation.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and artistic expression. It provides a unique opportunity for writers worldwide to showcase their talents in poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This competition is known for its encouragement of creativity and originality, fostering a global community of writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Refiloe Khahliso Kofa for sharing "The Comfort is in My Isolation" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a rich layer to the tapestry of human emotion and experience. We appreciate your willingness to explore and articulate the nuances of solitude and grief through your art.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.