If people stay away they’ll live—
Don’t interfere and you won’t die.
It’s simple enough for a sieve—
If people stay away they’ll live—
That’s the best advice we can give.
They didn’t stay away—don’t cry!
If people stay away they’ll live—
Don’t interfere and you won’t die.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, January 28, 2026.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: January 28th, 2026 09:31
- Comment from author about the poem: I’m 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: Sociopolitical
- Views: 18
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, rebellion_in_sanity
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Comments6
Well written. This is what I been saying! Your poem pertains to the consequences of human interaction and the potential dangers that come with it. It reflects a broader commentary on social behaviors, perhaps hinting at the consequences of societal engagement in troubling times.
Friendship, yes…that’s exactly the tension. And worse, It sounds like wisdom, even care, until you realize it demands silence and distance to survive. It's the "logic" given by every authoritarian government..."stay silent and survive." That’s the danger I wanted exposed. Thank you for your time and presence, my friend! 🐍⚖️🕯️🙏
A wonderful example set where she shoots her dog saying it is not trainable is this what she means about people too. Powerful statements in this poem give it gut wrenching messages that nauseate the soul of anyone that believes in freedom. Tyranny relies on compliance. A fave Tristan
Soren, yes…that’s the sickness at the core of it. Once something is labeled unworthy of effort, care becomes optional and harm becomes reasonable. That’s how compliance gets passed off as responsibility. Glad that trap was clear, my friend. Your time and presence are both greatly appreciated. 🐍⚖️🕯️🙏
You are most welcome Tristan it is my pleasure
Good write T. A cryptic message to ya - but don't 'answer' it! lol. Someone won't stay away, so always have brolly at the ready! lol.
You glugging know it, don't you?!?! Brollies up! ☔️☔️☔️☔️
I feel this has much to do with your president and the ICE holes, pun intended. My dear Tristan when I was. 15 I went to a very important demonstration in Trafalgar Square it was against the Chile regime, no one was shot dead, times have changed, I don't envy America today, and i certainly hope that his voters can see things more clearly now, at least the five with brains anyway. 😢
Teddy, yes…that’s the fracture I’m pressing on. When fear replaces conscience, and silence gets sold as safety, something vital is lost. Your memory of standing up in Trafalgar Square without suffering violence is a stark reminder of what's really going on here in America right now. Thank you, my dear friend. 🐍⚖️🕯️🙏
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A prize example of where superficial rationality means in reality total authoritarian crap. So neat, Tristan particularly when the penalties are so heavy.
Dave, exactly. 💯 The circular logic is polished, efficient, and utterly hollow. It’s about control…power never likes to share. You nailed the danger at the heart of it. Thank you, my friend. 🐍⚖️🕯️🙏
'Like', 'Fave' - a rare piece which remained accessible without being expository; conveyed what it wanted to convey without, even remotely, pointing finger. Great work
Thank you, my friend. That balance mattered to me. I wanted the logic to indict itself without being told what to think, and hearing that it stayed accessible without turning expository means a lot. Much appreciated. 🐍⚖️🕯️🙏
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