Tristan Robert Lange

proximity

they smile

because they’re in—

she talks to them,

acknowledges them,

laughs with them,

before us all—

because they’re in

proximity

to power,

watching the leader,

following the preacher

of the hour.

this is all very sour—

proximity to power

turns a dancer to a

wallflower.

but I won’t scour

over proximity

nor will I move

proxime

to become approximately

Jacob climbing a ladder

to be on a pedestal

only God should be.

First published on tristanrobertlange.com, May 26, 2026.

Tittu