clouds streak a blue sky.
autumn scents bring harvest sounds.
it's flea market time.
spots of color flare.
the fall breeze gently blows through.
voices are trailing.
for sale signs posted.
clothes, antiques, and stuff laid out.
junk makes fall bargains.
hundreds come for food
to make their junk taste better,
but not to worship.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on TristanRobertLang.com, October 14, 2026.
Tittu
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Coming this Macabre Monday:
DEVILISHLY DREADFUL
The Wild Kids of America; or,
The Children of Fright
on October 19, 2026
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: October 14th, 2026 07:52
- Comment from author about the poem: A haiku sequence. Part of the Truth, Applied collection.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, Cheeky Missy
- In collections: Truth, Applied.
Offline)
Comments10
Ah Tristan the message comes through capitalism and greed (possibly gluttony as well) easily overcomes religion or spirituality. Nicely done my friend>
Thank you, Soren. It does make me wonder what we’re actually hungry for...and whether we’re willing to ask ourselves that. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
My pleasure my friend
The main cause of hunger CAPITALISM !!!!
Absolutely, Norman, and there’s something seriously wrong when feeding people has to be justified financially. Thank you for reading. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
always most welcome
Good write T. I suppose markets outside churches are OK, but not inside them - and not cheating, as was so in Jesus' time.
Thank you, Orchi. Yes...the cheating. That's the heart of it. The temple trade supported worship, so I don’t read Jesus’ action as a blanket objection to selling there, even within. Jesus had participated within that system. It’s what it was covering up...dishonesty, exploitation and the power exercised over worshippers...and a church can lose its purpose with the stalls safely outside too. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
Wait...did you hear that?
glug
A flea-glugging glug! Whatever that is! lol.
Well they brought the marketplace to themselves; now for them to make tents as well tent ⛺️ 🙏🏻🕊️👍🏻
Ha! Rik, Paul might have a few questions about their business plan. 🤣 Appreciate you stopping by! 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
You can find treasure in those Markets. 🌹
Absolutely, Teddy...I’m certainly not above coming home with more stuff! I just couldn’t miss the irony of what draws a crowd to that particular place. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
I dunno about your conclusion. Just because folk fail to acknowledge and worship the only true God, doesn't mean they're not worshipping whatever. Flea markets used to be thing to do in my childhood in Colorado, back over 40 years ago. Beautifully rendered with excellent imagery and a haunting poignancy. Thank you for sharing.
I dunno why you're unsure, Missy...you’re getting rather close to making my point for me! 🤣 The haiku sequence is observational, but the underlying spiritual reality is rather stark, indeed. And what are those holding the market worshipping? We can't know, obviously, but one has to wonder how we went from Christ to carnivals and markets. Thank you for your time and engagement, my friend. Always appreciated. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
Church, which I'll only refresh you on since I'm certain you know too well, by definition is not a building, but rather an assembly of people. These edifices dedicated to one strain of religion or another are seen as offensive to some especially since the '60's drove an overthrow of culture and the understanding this nation is a Christian nation. In light of that they deliberately stage markets at these traditional houses of worship: in effect doing too obviously what God Himself condemned when He walked the earth. You know? Ergo, it's not really surprising they stage flea markets at these churches. Or?
What is the church not offering the people now.
Or are people just working to exist, and the message of the lord doesn't resonate.
It's a tough one, and I don't have the answers.
That’s where I find myself questioning the church too, Paul...are we giving people a reason to come beyond needing them to keep us going? Appreciate you, my friend. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
Although flea markets are often located in the courtyard of a church Tristan, no mention here. Keeping coverings for my back, holes out of my pants and hunger at bay once upon a time was an obsessionn. Not so now.
Fair point, Dave...I left the church setting implied by “worship.” It was a church flea market, though, which is what got me thinking. Appreciate you reading! 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
A lot of Churches here are always Locked.
Sad sign of the Times.
I did Read that in the 17c Lottery Tickets were on sale in St Paul's Cathedral.
It’s the same here too, Kevin...sad when someone looking for a little peace and sanctuary only finds a locked door instead. A sign of the times, indeed. Thanks for reading, my friend. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
My Pleasure.
Hello, Tristan,
Reminds me of the bible, ' a house of prayer to a den of robbers but not as drastic. The wants of man delving into the selfishness of his own mania abandoning the essence of his own soul. Excellent haiku.
Fond regards,
Tony.
Thank you, Tony. It troubles me how easily we find time for another purchase while putting off looking at ourselves. Always appreciate you, my friend. 🍂⛪🛍️🙏
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