what do i think? Poem, by Tristan Robert Lange, at My poetic side

a dangerous question asked

produces an explosive answer,

no charades—just shrapnel—

alphabet animus shards

screech-spray into electric ears.

what do I think?

does it matter what I say

when the world carries on?—

anyway,

we all know what I think,

right?

everything stinks,

reeks of wreckage.

progress boiled down—

regresso soup—

have you been in the loop?

dysfunctional erections on the rise—

really...no surprise—

while moral compasses droop

over tree branches

in dreamy dali

the free world is

free-falling

into its own refuse—

slugdy slime,

not holistic, but drastic—

cause for a chaser,

the main ingredient

for this acrostic:

Gestapo on the Rocks

Immigrants made this country.

Caustic Caucasians codify

Evil within engorged edicts.

Capitalism thrives on cheap labor.

Uniformity supersedes unity.

Bureaucrats promise it all—

Everything under the sun—

Security blankets the snakes beneath.

Poet’s Note:

This poem was sparked by Dixie Dodd’s open-hearted call for writers to speak honestly about the violence, inequity, and fear shaping our communities. Her prompt asked what we think. My answer arrived sharper than expected. Some questions don’t invite polite replies… they detonate them. Thank you, Dixie, for creating a space where truth—even when jagged—still has room to be spoken.

First published on tristanrobertlange.com, December 8, 2025.

Tittu

Author: Tristan Robert Lange ( Offline)
Published: December 8th, 2025 09:33
Comment from author about the poem: I’m now published in an anthology featuring authors from across the Poconos, PA. All proceeds benefit the Pocono Liars Club — a collective of authors and editors dedicated to supporting and mentoring local writers. Available in paperback and Kindle, please consider purchasing one and supporting a great cause. https://a.co/d/58uxM69
Category: Unclassified
Views: 2