Comfort Zone

(For Emily, my Muse)

I never wish to trespass,
I pledge to never step,
Too close to any comfort zone,
Whose frontiers you erect.

I never want to hurt you,
I wish you total calm,
In borderlands of safety,
Where you cannot be harmed.

I never seek to damage,
Or be a source of pain,
And all my power and willingness,
Is focused on that aim.

I always hope you’re happy,
I try to not be wrong,
But sometimes, let’s be honest,
I’m really not that strong.

Now I must seek permission,
In quest of certain things,
Creating a condition,
That your consent you bring.

I find that too one sided,
For equal souls should share,
Their share of all approvals,
Between two souls who care.

I dare not ask permission,
Denial would cause such pain,
Could we please deal in positives,
Resulting in the same?

Now what you want to stop, will stop,
But if you change your mind.
I ask that now that you’ve said “stop”,
You will say “start” again.

But only let that “start” be said,
If of it you are sure.
We have to both be comfort led,
If we’re to feel secure.

And if that means forever,
We just walk hand-in-hand,
At least I will be sure that you,
Can fully understand.

That of the terrors I fear most,
Is that of cold rejection,
I told you, I have paid that price,
And now must change direction.

(31.10.23)