God won’t stop this.
Brought upon us by our own evil
Overtures in a civil crucible,
Violence is victory’s vitriol.
Intelligence has become inbred.
Neoauthoritarian necropolis
Overlords were what we desired.
Poet’s Note:
This acrostic was written a week before its publication. Much can change in that time, but a shift in leadership does not equal absolution. This poem asks whether scapegoating a chosen instrument absolves Americans of the collective sin of xenophobia and discrimination.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, February 3, 2026.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: February 3rd, 2026 08:44
- 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: 25
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, Paul Bell, Friendship, Mutley Ravishes, RSM0812
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Comments11
'A strong leader' almost a mantra in even some unlikely quarters.
Cracked that one short and sharp, Tristan.
💯 Exactly, Dave. That phrase keeps getting repeated until it stops being questioned. I wanted the poem to break that rhythm…short, sharp, and honest. Appreciate you seeing that. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
A wonderful poem Tristan that asks the question that even in countries that are not democratic are their leaders nothing more than a reflection of the populace and then the question of whether this is the best that we have to offer. A sad commentary on humanity, actually a bad choice of words. For it appears that there is little humanity in humanity. Well written my friend. A fave
Thank you, Soren. That question is exactly where the poem lives…leaders as mirrors rather than anomalies. The sadness comes from recognizing ourselves in that reflection…or worse, not recognizing ourselves at all. I appreciate the close read, my friend. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
You are always most welcome Tristan
Ol' Tom and Co know about alchemy?! lol.
They’ll sing ye a glugging song about it too, if you let ‘em! Haha! 🤣 ⚓️
Politically nail biting. 👏 🌹 I bow!
Why thank you, dearest poet and friend! 🔥🧪🖤🙏
I would imagine even in Orwell's prophetic thoughts, he couldn't have envisaged how this world would turn out.
Democratic free countries, don't you believe it, the camera sees all, and your phone is definitely monitoring you.
Paul, you’re right. What was once prophetic now feels procedural…freedom framed as normal while observation becomes constant. That tension is very much part of what this poem is pressing against. Grateful for your insight, my friend. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
I had to read this three times. Well said. My friend. Your poem conveys a sense of despair and resignation regarding the state of society, suggesting that the chaos and violence we experience are the results of our own actions and desires. The poet implies that humanity has brought upon itself a form of authoritarianism and suffering, with an acknowledgment that divine intervention is absent.
Friendship, thank you for such a thoughtful reading. The poem is wrestling with despair, agency, and the absence of rescue all at once. When authority and violence mirror our own desires, the reckoning turns inward. I’m grateful for your close attention, my friend. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
Tristan, your poem got me thinking again about the "power law." For example, if we take all the people in the world who play soccer and then organize them into a pyramid, with the different skill levels represented at each level, the number of people who are not very good at the game massively outnumbers those who are seriously good at it. I think the same thing roughly applies for spirituality. Or, in other words, awareness (of self, of society etc). So, society is inevitably the way it is. If what I`m saying is true, then I wonder why is there a power law? I have some ideas on that too.
Anyways, I could be well off the mark with these thoughts!
Mutley, this is a thoughtful way to come at it. The idea that awareness follows a power law feels unsettling, but also hard to dismiss. It presses on inevitability in an uncomfortable way. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
This is truth. However, power corrupts the human endevour. When the peace is found we will know the answer. A very comprhensive write. Brilliant.
My friend, I keep returning to that same hope you mention. That one day peace might clarify what power distorts. Writing this was my way of sitting inside that unresolved space. Thank you for engaging it. 🔥🧪🖤🙏
I've questions that come under the category 'Don't answer that!'
Ohh, when will you stop the glugging Popeye; and the knitting Ol' Tom; and the sabre-wielding Obi? Well, we can answer it. The answer is: 'Never!' heehee.
Poor SpongeBob had all his…ehem…breathing cavities cauterized by Obi’s misdirected blaster fire! That’s why he ought to stick with a saber. 🤣
Quotable quote - "Intelligence has become inbred". Would I be over the top if I were to say 'genius'?
Thank you, my friend. Glad that line stuck. Seemed all too true when it hit. Glad it came to me. Much appreciated! 🔥🧪🖤🙏
Undoubtedly a talented piece of work demanding reflection and triggering some real changes in the current state of affairs
Wow! Thank you, Cellinic! That means a lot. Much appreciated! 🔥🧪🖤🙏
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