i am called to be
transparent
in a reality that is
opaque.
my integrity
spread
honestly over thicketed
thorns
shaped like a crown,
designed
to pierce deep through
hope.
but my hope is a
shield
built for missile
deflection.
fire away.
Part of the ongoing series: The Rutted Road.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, February 12, 2026.
Tittu
-
Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: February 12th, 2026 10:18
- 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: 11
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Friendship, Paul Bell
- In collections: The Rutted Road.
Offline)
Comments5
Indeed in this world of enigma we are asked to be ourselves and honest at that in a society of lies. Hope so easily dashed in some is a shield indeed. Some are not to be overthrown and succumb to such threats but will stand in the face of adversity, opposition and denial they are the strong and true heroes
Soren, your reading touches the heart of it…integrity under fire, hope not as softness but as defense. Strength here isn’t loud…it simply refuses to yield. I’m grateful you recognized that layer and named it, dear friend. 🛡️🔥🙏🖤
You are most welcome Tristan
Oh I think this is one of my favourites from you,
Love the fact you are never giving up.
but my hope is a
shield
built for missile
deflection.
fire away
Wonderful words. 🌹
Teddy, that means a lot…truly. I’m glad this one landed with you the way it did. “Never giving up” feels less like bravado and more like stubborn survival some days. Grateful it delivered, my friend. 🛡️🔥🙏🖤
Well written.Triatan.Your poem "Part of the ongoing series: The Rutted Road" revolves around the struggle for authenticity and resilience in a world that often feels confusing and oppressive. The poet explores themes of transparency, integrity, and hope, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of life that can feel like thorns or painful obstacles.
My friend, you captured the interplay perfectly…transparency pressed against thorns, hope reshaped into defense. It’s not a gentle poem, but it is a stubborn one. Thank you for reading it with such care and depth, as always. I truly appreciate you, Friendship. 🛡️🔥🙏🖤
You're so welcome❤️
Good write T. You'll need that shield if you hear a glugging sound. Why will you need a shield? Don't answer that! lol.
Yes...a shield and a brolly! LOL! Thanks Orchi! 🛡️🔥🙏🖤
A giant-size fishing brolly! heehee.
🤣
I thought transparency had been removed from the dictionary, certainly been sidelined.
We live in a world of lies that takes half the day to decipher only to be replaced with more lies.
I'm thinking this shield is nuclear proof.
Paul, your take sharpens the poem’s tension. Transparency feeling obsolete, truth buried under noise…that’s the battlefield. The shield isn’t about dominance…it’s about survival. I’m grateful you read it with that edge. 🛡️🔥🙏🖤
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