the sun is risen full over the horizon
sunrise but a memory from many moonsets ago
to the few awake enough to witness
honest enough to look inward at
the
v o i d
within
while the world sleeps in comfort
resting in its self-assurance
that tomorrow things will be the same
that dreams will be delivered
that hopes will be harbored
that lives will be leveraged
for the good of a few
who keep falsities
alive as an antigen
to paradisial propagation
u
n
a
w
a
r
e
that the script has been flipped
complacency cannot corral courageous change
darkness remains
simply because we put up sunblock
that still fails to dull the sight
and stirs up a primal fright
in those used to artificial light
yet artificiality cannot compare
to a reality so brilliant
that its purity reflects divinity
a blossoming of a new age
the turning of a new page
where peace on earth never ends
where selfless love supercedes selfish trends
where all war ends
where tears death never rends
and community individuality defends
the sun is fully risen
the moonset-moments long past
where are the few awake to witness
honestly looking inward at
the
deep v o i d
within
if you are reading this
the question becomes
what now?
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
April 21, 2025
East Stroudsburg, PA
POET’S NOTE:
I didn’t announce this as a series from the start. I wanted the poems to speak for themselves—to unfold like a mystery. And they have.
what now? is the final piece in a five-part Holy Week arc, progressing in this order: the agony, a skull called place, holy nothing, the penumbral revelation, and now what now?
The concept was to follow the Passion, death, resurrection, and aftermath of Jesus the Christ—without ever mentioning him by name. Instead, the reader steps into his point of view. The only deviation is holy nothing, where Christ is dead. That poem shifts the POV to the disciples—left in silence, uncertainty, and grief.
One final note: the question mark in what now? is completely intentional. It’s the only punctuation in the entire series. I wanted it to jar just a little—like a ripple in still water, sparking an inner quest of self-discovery as well as philosophical and spiritual awakening.
-
Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: April 21st, 2025 09:07
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Comments5
Excellent write Tristan
Thank you so much, Tony. Much appreciated! 🌄🧠🌌🙏
But things have turned to life, from Easter Sunday onwards! Though we've 'journeyed' through Holy Week first.
Thank you, Orchi — and I always appreciate that you’re reading with heart and hope. You're right: Easter changes everything. But I guess the tension I’m sitting with in this poem is... have things really turned to life—yet? On a physical level, we’re still born, we still sin, we still die. What’s changed, at least as I see it, is that the end result is already secured. Death, suffering, injustice—these things are still here, but their days are numbered because of what Christ did. We live in a broken world still waiting on the full realization of God’s Kingdom.
So, for us who believe, the call is to be ambassadors of that Kingdom, even now. And that’s really what this poem is asking—or at least trying to 🤣—what now? What comes next for those of us who believe, just like it was for the disciples after the resurrection? I’ve always read John 21 like Jesus saying, “I’m here. Here’s some fish. So… what’s next, guys? Fishing? Or following?” But of course, following fully means first acknowledging our own brokenness—naming what still needs to die in us so new life can rise. That’s what this poem is reaching for. Thanks again for your thoughtful reflection, my friend. 🌄🧠🌌🙏
In rereading your comment, Orchi, I have this to say: looking deeper—beyond the words themselves—you’re absolutely right. It’s just that this poem is recognizing that we’re all still living in that extended Holy Week space… the period between Christ’s resurrection and Christ’s return. That in-between, liminal place that stretches on, for who knows how long.
Hence Jesus’ advice: stay awake.
(Not sure if that’s the same as “be woke” 🤣, but I’m pretty sure it’s closer to that than “be status quo.”)
Anywho, just some more thoughts sparked by your words. 🙏
Here's something else - To the Lord a 1,000 years is as one day, and one day as a 1,000 years, which I take as meaning he is outside of time. In one sense we could say though, it's only just over 2 'days' (2,000 years) have passed since His resurrection.
Oohh, I didn't realise some folk see that much deeper meaning in my words at times! Thank you T. 🙂
Me again - and yet, yes, I admit, some Christians may just go on oblivious to sufferings, etc. Not that it's wrong to be happy-clappy in worship services, as long as it's not merely escapism. Happy-clappy style is not really my cup of tea though.
Tristan many complain but few do anything. Those in power have no interest in change and would give us an artificial light that everything is all right. The last line is quite pertinent (and what now?)
Exactly, my friend—that’s the heart of the poem. Thank you so much for your time and your close read. Truly appreciated, Soren! 🌄🧠🌌🙏
Another fantastic piece! It dazzles me how much depth you put into your poems. ☺
Thank you so much, hanleigh! Your time, your thoughts and your fave are very much appreciated! I am glad the poem and its depth delivered. 🖤🌄🧠🌌🙏
And I was beginning to think that a new style was in its nascent period. Your note marries well with the execution that you intended🕊🙏🏻
Who knows, it could be...sparked by this series! It was real fun and challenging to write and I love challenging myself to show different sides...and hopefully remain true to my voice at the same time. Thank you so much, my friend, for affirming that it was pulled off. That means the world! Your time, feedback and friendship are most appreciated, Rik. 🌄🧠🌌🙏
Your voice is what brings the style to life, else it would just be mechanical and a numbered procedure, compliant but soulless 🕊🙏🏻
Indeed. Truth! And who needs that? 🤷♂️ That's what we've got society for! 🤣
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