my courage—
betrayed by the gray
that matters little
and affects a lot—
is constipated,
blocked up in the bowels
of what must be
endured.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, February 4, 2026.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Online) - Published: February 4th, 2026 09:58
- 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: Unclassified
- Views: 45
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Paul Bell, Teddy.15, Mutley Ravishes, rebellion_in_sanity, Tristan Robert Lange, Carlos Alberto BUSTILLOS
Online)
Comments10
A very sincere and deep statement, although a bit provocative and demanding) A fave, my friend!
cellinic, I truly appreciate your words here…both the sincerity and the push you felt. That tension is the marrow of the piece. And I owe you an apology for the delay…ten+ days is rare for me. I’m traveling and visiting family, doing my best to keep up. Grateful you’re here, my friend. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
Hi, dear Tristan, don't worry, take your time! Best wishes,
Thank you, dear friend! Best wishes to you too!
Well said, my friend. Your poem revolves around the struggle with internal conflict and emotional turmoil. The poet expresses a sense of frustration and stagnation, as their courage feels "betrayed" and "constipated." is the matter focuses on the emotional burdens that must be endured, highlighting the interplay between internal feelings and external appearances, particularly with the mention of "gray," which may symbolize weariness or aging.
My friend, you captured the tension between internal pressure and outward gray so well. That emotional burden is the heart of it. And please forgive the delay, Not sure how I missed this, other than I’m traveling and with family, doing my best to keep up. Thank you for your steady presence. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
Ohhh, have some syrup of figs then! And give some to P & Co. That'll keep 'em quiet for - oh, about 23 seconds! lol. Keep quiet from what? Don't answer that, of course! lol.
LOL! 🤐🤮 Ow... I hate when I burst at the zipper like that! LOL!
Now that is an interesting way of thinking about it I guess I have been constipated for longer than I thought and might account for my sour disposition. A wonderful write my friend that makes everything quite clear
Soren, you had me laughing with that one…there’s truth wrapped in humor there. Sometimes the blockage lasts longer than we realize. I’m grateful you leaned into the metaphor so playfully. And forgive my delay…traveling and with family, doing my best to keep up. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
You do better in keeping up than most so bless you my friend. Always my pleasure
Thank you, Soren. Bless you too, my friend!
This feels like the people in power who hold you captive whilst making decisions that affect only you.
Usually irritable pen pushers with too much time on their hands.
Paul, there are definitely moments when systems and gatekeepers feel like that…constipating courage instead of releasing it. Your take taps into that frustration. And sorry it took me this long to respond…travel and family have me behind. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
Know that feeling Tristan, Don’t possess a spiritual laxative. Too tired at this stage in the life cycle to do much about it. My only recourse is to stir others in the hope they may find a formula which will clear the blockage in them.
Dave, your “spiritual laxative” line made me smile, but the deeper truth beneath it resonates. That mix of fatigue and quiet hope…stirring others even when blocked yourself…feels real. Thank you for that. And forgive the delay. Traveling and trying to balance it all. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
Tomorrow when you wake up Tristan look in the mirror and repeat these words.
I am fabulous and talented and I don't care for the opinions of others because their opinions do not matter.
Fabulous poem, triumph passed all the bowel crap! 🌹
Dearest Teddy, there’s something grounding about saying those words out loud. I’ve needed that reminder more than once. Thank you for the affirmation and the humor. And forgive me for responding so many days later. Traveling and trying to stay present with family. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
I'm the same it's all about family at this moment, no need to even reply, I know we are all busy humans. Take care. My dear friend. 🌹
You too, Teddy!
Beautifully, and courageously (!) put, Tristan. A friend of mine often emphasizes courage as the main ingredient in the brew. As your poem says (to me, anyways), it's already naturally present within us, just waiting to be released.
Mutley, I love that your friend frames courage as an ingredient. That resonates. Sometimes it’s not missing…just sealed tight. Your read aligns with what I was wrestling with. And sorry for responding ten days later. Traveling and trying to balance family time. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
Yes the single word standing solitary - 'endured' tells all.
My friend, I’m glad that solitary word landed. It was meant to stand there…unmoved, unresolved. Sometimes endurance is the only verb left. And forgive my delay in replying. Traveling and visiting family, doing my best to keep up. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
happens sometimes - but don't give up in despair - wait some more...miracles do happen
Safina, thank you for that gentle encouragement. Sometimes the waiting feels like the whole story. I appreciate the reminder that patience can still hold possibility. And forgive my delay…traveling and with family, doing my best to keep up. 🧱🫀🌫️🙏
so happy to hear this beautiful monday morning that you are having some quality time with your family.. happy and safe travels -take care, but enjoy to the fullest
Will do, my friend. It has been good times, for sure.
great - hope they will be even better in this year and after
enjoy..
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