Have you not heard that it has been written,
Do “not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”
Don’t “be swayed by the crowd to twist justice.”
Surely, you’ve heard that it has been spoken,
“If you can’t fly, then run,” then followed by
Walking if not running or, then, crawling.
Don’t be fooled “by the crowd to twist justice.”
Clearly, you’ve known that it has been spoken,
“Whatever you do...keep moving foward.”
“If you can’t fly, then run,” followed up with
Walking and then, if need be, some crawling—
No doubt, you’ve seen that it has been written,
Don’t be moved “by the crowd to twist justice”—
“Whatever you do...keep moving foward.”
Look, a rider comes as swift as lightning!
“If you can’t fly, then run,” or, if not, try
Walking, or in desp’rate moments, crawling.
Hopefully, you’ve followed what’s been written.
Don’t be had “by the crowd to twist justice”
“Whatever you do...keep moving foward.”
Arriving with justice and waging war,
The rider comes swift upon oppressors.
“If you can’t fly, then run,” or perhaps try
Walking, or, as you damn well know, crawling—
Don’t be had “by the crowd to twist justice”—
“Whatever you do...keep moving foward.”
Hopefully, you’ve heeded what’s been written.
The One who was slaughtered by Empire is
Arriving with justice and waging war.
“If you can’t fly, then run,” or by God, try
Walking, or, as you surely know, crawling.
Don’t be owned “by the crowd to twist justice”
“Whatever you do...keep moving foward.”
Hopefully, you’ll heed what has been written,
Do “not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
POET’S NOTE: This poem is a message of hopeful perseverance for those fighting for social justice and a warning to those who think that justice comes from corrupt businesspeople.
Form: Revelatory Cascade; Meter: Pentameter. This is the seventh poem written in my new Revelatory Cascade form, utilizing a quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., found text from Exodus 23:2 and paraphrasing parts of Revelation 19:11-16. The Scripture quotes are in the New Living Translation. The specific quotes are below:
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice” (Exodus 23:2 NLT).
“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:11–16 NLT).
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: January 20th, 2025 09:31
- Category: Sociopolitical
- Views: 19
- Users favorite of this poem: LP2187, SunflowerGoose
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Comments10
Good write T.
Thank you, my friend! Glad it resonated! ❤️🙏
Excellent write Tristan
Thank you, dear Tony! Much appreciated my friend! ❤️🙏
You're welcome
Several times in history such events have happened and with differing outcomes. Good or bad, right or wrong the potential for change toward safety or over a cliff and we will have to wait to see. A great write one should never follow the crowd in doing wrong. One voice can make a difference
Indeed. Thank you, Soren. Your time and thoughts are much appreciated. 🙏❤️ We shall see, indeed. I know this: the only thing I am watching today is Selma...and college football! 🤣
I watch nothing anymore knowing that the singing shows are autotuned that the news is hard to believe, and commercials I have no use for.
This is a good one, I like the repetition, it really does drive the point across
Thank you, my friend! Glad the form and its repetition came through and that it resonated. Much appreciated! 🙏❤️
Social justice! A powerful poem, enjoyed the read.
Yes!!! Thank you, my dear friend! Glad it resonated! Much appreciated! Here's to the good fight! ✊
You’re welcome!
And yet it is more than social justice, big as that is as far as issues go, of a cosmological and existential dilemma… some are aware, others chose to ignore the signs.
Exactly, my friend. And, to quote he who shall not be named, those social justice issues are going to matter "bigly" when there is a cosmological and existential reckoning one day. Thank you so much for your time and your thoughts! Always appreciated. Let's hope more start to see the signs moving forward. 🙏❤️
👍👍
A terrific poem
the thoughts
and message penned!!
Love the form, repeated lines
much enjoyed my friend!!! 🏆
Have a great day!!
Best regards ✌️ Thad
Thank you, Thad! You've been watching this form develop and I so very much appreciate it, my friend. Glad the poem delivered! Have a great rest of your day!
Powerful.
Thank you, Thomas! Much appreciated, my friend! 🙏❤️
Even crowds can be lied to, and crowds can be misled. So now we have the blind leading the blind. Well said Tristan. 😉👍
Thank you so much, friend! Indeed, the blind leading the blind! That is exactly what we have. I am so glad the poem resonated and am truly appreciative of your time and analysis. ❤️🙏
I have never been a crowd follower the sheep mentality drives me insane. Sadly thou i fear we are entering what is going to be a unstable and very frighting period in our history, and for sure social injustice is only going to get worse. A great piece of writing, raising issues we should all pay attention to you.
Indeed, my friend! 💯 with you. I am glad the poem resonated and the message came through! 🙏❤️
You are very welcome
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