Tristan Robert Lange

Devilishly Dreadful: The Wild Kids of America; or, The Children of Fright

CONTENT WARNING
This tale contains strong language, disturbing themes, and graphic violence. Reader discretion is advised.

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We run through the dark streets in ev’ry town,

Through the alleys, sewers—our homes underground—

Away from the coppers looking to grab us,

Take us all away, tie us, leave us bound.

We’re faster than them.

And we love mayhem.

They come for us all—

We’re not gonna fall—

We’re more than they realize.

We span creed and class and even ages—

Races—children from all over the place;

The beginnings, our quick separation

From our immigrant parents—gone—no trace.

Put within cages,

Our fury rages;

We creep through the streets,

Ev’ry night this repeats.

Far more than they realize.

They forget we’re in the age of the web;

We exist like ghosts beyond the dank streets,

Recruiting numbers in every kid’s room.

Our reach goes past the bedroom and the sheets.

What does your kid do?

Do you think they’re true?

Where’d that wallet go?

Think again—you know

Way more than you realize.

We’re scaling up on the good kid ladder,

We’re homeless, yet within ev’ry home;

We know your ev’ry move—we’ll come for you—

Think you can run? Well, we’ve stolen your chrome.

No cars to flee with;

Mister, we’re not myth.

You can scream tonight,

We love to hear fright

Much more than you realize.

Nobody likes a knife put to their throat—

The pain can be felt before there’s a slice—

But know this, Mister fucking President,

We kids right here have stopped being so nice.

Vice President—here—

Is shaking in fear.

See, it’s him we’ve framed,

For your death, he’s blamed;

And, no, they won’t realize.

They won’t know what hit them or why you’re dead,

“What’s come of this country,” they’ll all decry,

They will seek out any conspirators,

As old Vicey here is about to die.

Yet we know your codes—

All of this forebodes

Bad for your country;

They’ll all gain entry,

Once they all realize.

First published on tristanrobertlange.com, October 19, 2026.

Tittu

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Coming...

This Macabre Monday:

DEVILISHLY DREADFUL

Valentine\'s Voice

on October 19, 2026

This Friday:

Appalachian Virtual Ensemble peforming

Tristan Robert Lange\'s

Annabel Lee

A Tone Poem Interpretation of

Edgar Allan Poe\'s \"Annabel Lee\"

Available for FREE on Bandcamp and

most streaming services.

Friday, October 23, 2026

Visit https://tristanrobertlange.com/2026/10/16/coming-october-23-annabel-lee/ for more information.