you want to go
out to eat with us?
i would love to,
where are we going?
all you can eat
pit-barbecue buffet
but i’m vegetarian,
surely you know...
they have coleslaw,
french fries...
cooked with
the chicken strips...
corn on the cob,
if you want those?
that’s all?—
those are my choices?
well—you know—
you don’t have to go.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, September 4, 2026.
Tittu
+++
NEWS
🎶 A little release-day news, my friends! My new tone poem, The Shaman, performed by the Appalachian Virtual Ensemble, is out today, along with its accompanying music video. I’m damn proud of this one and would love for you to experience it! Visit avensemble.bandcamp.com to download and/or stream for free. The official VEVO music video experience is shared above as well. Do share what you think! 🖤🎶🙏
-
Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: September 4th, 2026 07:44
- Comment from author about the poem: Part of the Truth, Applied collection.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: arqios, Friendship
- In collections: Truth, Applied.
Offline)
Comments8
I remember we invited Popeye out, but nothing on the menu except spinach. Glug! lol.
I rmember, Orchi! And poor Olive Oyl had made reservations for us all and ended up hosting a maritime brawl in the parking lot...over?...glug...WCAT? 😂🍽️🌽🪑🙏
One can easily tell if one comes for the food or the company. I was always advised that when going out to eat, eat something first so one does not appear a hog and glutton. Nicely done Tristan
Thank you, Soren. I’ve adapted plenty of times for the sake of social time. After enough years, though, always being the one expected to adapt begins to feel less like inclusion and more like erasure. 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
You are most welcome Tristan. There is no two way relationship in this it is adapt or be excluded. The group rules the individual.
No reason not to! 🕊️👍🏻
Absolutely, arqios! Inclusion requires very little when people actually value it. Much appreciated! 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
Good write my friend
So happy for your good news. Your poem revolves around a conversation about going out to eat, specifically to a barbecue buffet that poses a challenge for a vegetarian. Sometimes you have to bring your own food. I wouldn't go, but that's just me.
Thank you so much, my friend...glad this one delivered! 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
Nothing wrong with corn on the cob occasionally... make sure the serviettes are large and of good quality, because C on the C is bound to be smothered in something..
I empathise... but not too much... I'm veggo.
Your tone poem/video was an experience and a half. Eerie, atmospheric, the whole thing, the journey weirded me out for a while. If I have stranger dreams than usual, I know who to blame, Tristan. Rightfully proud - must have been hard work.
Dave, haha...from one vegetarian to another, you know exactly how exciting the ceremonial side dish becomes! I’m thrilled The Shaman got under your skin. 🤩 If your subconscious misbehaved last night, I accept full responsibility. It was an enormous amount of work, so your response truly means a lot. 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
congratulations - more power to your pen - way to go..
Thank you kindly, my friend...I’m so glad to have you alongside me! 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
so so sorry about the late response - my laptop crashed and just got another one yesterday -
pleasure is definitely mine to read and enjoy your verse - keep them coming
You make your choices and live with the consequences. I'll admit it's not easy, but you kinda adjust and learn how to live despite all the odds. Charming and beautifully rendered with excellent imagery and a haunting poignancy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Missy. I appreciate your kind words about the poem. Still, would anyone tell a diabetic that medically necessary restrictions are merely consequences they must endure alone? My doctor warned me to change my diet and lose weight or expect a stroke and imminent death. My family encouraged me to do so at the time. Love requires mutual sacrifice. Choosing one inclusive restaurant hardly seems too much to ask...and years of refusing to do so is less a consequence of dietary needs than a terrible display of apathy. 🍽️🌽🪑🙏
My late father was a type 1 diabetic since my conception, and his doctor told him, "It's YOUR body; you are going to know better than I what is best for you and you have to learn how to deal with it." [Or something like that.] Ergo, I grew up with no dietary restrictions per se, just that we needed to put less sugar in baked goods and he needed to be very watchful of his own blood sugar levels. I think they lie to you individuals labeled as diabetics. You're freer than they say from all I saw watching my daddy.
Missy, what stands out to me in your example is that your family did make accommodations for your dad. You used less sugar because his needs mattered. That’s exactly the kind of basic thoughtfulness this poem is getting at.
I frankly cannot myself tolerate sugary anything, it's unappetizing and disgusting. Even the baristas at my favorite Starbucks café knew that, so when I excitedly asked about the barbie drink, my barista told me straight up, "It's all a bunch of sugar-- you don't want that." I appreciated his knowing. I do NOT want that. And it's possibly because of how I was raised, though unlikely.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.