Tristan Robert Lange

Even As They Burn

Morality-mongers love a good show

Against those who choose rebellion.

Radical surrender is the only way forward.

God’s will outlasts our virtue vacuum.

Union with God comes only through love—

Exacting minds are forever chagrined—

Replete with the emptiness of the self.

Integration is identity’s instrument

The solemn state of the liberated soul—

Ensnared not by vacuous virtue signaling.

Punishment is no reason to fear truth.

Offensive, the truth is hardly welcome;

Rigid religiosity disregards realization,

Enshrining resonant regurgitation.

The soul is emptied in plenitude,

Even as their flames scorch and steal.

Poet’s Note:

An acrostic Scorched Sunday poem. Part of my Scorched Strays series. This poem explores costly surrender, where truth and love endure even as systems burn what they cannot control.

First published on tristanrobertlange.com, February 22, 2026.

Tittu