Tristan Robert Lange

this is the trip

been here before—

shoreline before me—

the cold-crystal ocean

oscillating in waves

rolling toward our doom.

another plume.

this is the trip—

it doesn’t go down

slow.

pentatonic—

scaled for dionysian eyes—

the blues bruise.

at the world’s edge

i am black and blue.

put on repeat,

an endless playlist.

yes, i’ve been here.

crystal shards abrade—

my feet, a salted rub,

a crimson wash,

rich in briny blood—

the pain is a reminder,

no one gets out of here

alive.

First published on tristanrobertlange.com, April 21, 2026.

Tittu