Sipping tea on a Saturday.
All day, morning, afternoon.
At midnight, I’m a senior.
This growing old has come so soon.
I thought I’d die much younger.
I was wrong, guess I am blessed.
Don’t know why time does fly.
I’m so guilty. There; I’ve confessed.
I was breathing in contentment.
Spirits hovered in the mist.
Like a heavy fog just fades away.
In bright light, something missed.
Gall heaped high at breakfast.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
Contentment left with harmony.
I can hear dark thunders roar.
NEW BOOK RELEASE!⁷
Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
ACCOLADES
Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
Was early on a Wednesday.
Banks and trains arrived on time.
I was down to my last million.
But I couldn’t find a dime.
Strangers glared at me in silence.
But you know that’s nothing new.
I was traveling to the government.
And prepared for news gone blue.
There’s no planning for disaster.
That might occur if I leave home.
The masses have lost their laughter.
And I hang my head and write a poem.
The Advisor is still speaking. My response will have to wait.
I know I should be so grateful. There’s so much now on my plate.
There’s this problem I can’t listen. All these voices in my mind.
A warning with some guidelines. With no words described as kind.
I am walking to her closer now. Standing, grinning eye to eye.
The Advisor has gone quiet now. I ask. “You sure it’s not a lie?”
My question has caused confusion. I can see her far off gaze.
She’s going to her safe house, where soft music always plays.
I know it can’t be permanent, someday she will return.
She has so much to teach me and I have so much to learn.
I was shocked into submission.
A freak of nature, strange and cruel.
Such sensation and humiliation.
To give such props to such a fool.
These are moments almost glowing.
In my memory, a three act play.
Where I smile in the knowing.
And live to fight another day.
I left her in her sadness. She was strong but such a pain.
Thought that I could love her, be shallow, and go insane.
I miss her for her beauty and the taste of just her kiss.
It gets me when I’m tired. When I’m rested I don’t miss.
She was lovely in that sunshine. Said she was searching for a song.
It wasn’t the words or melody or the need for right or wrong.
She was searching for some meaning or a feeling in her heart.
But that train had left the station and it was tearing her apart.
I told her it’s time to kneel, when all else fails pray.
She thanked me for mansplaining and I just said ok.
I met Wendy online. She is brave and she is bold. Not like Batman in a mini, left me standing in the cold.
Wendy loves my intellect, says she wants to shave my balls. And not a moments hesitation. I’ll be taking all Wendy’s calls. There’s a shift in something somewhere. That time that push has come to shove. I’m not hearing the others calling. Cause I’m drunk on Wendy’s love.
I’m standing in the fog here. Here huddled in the rain. Feeling warm and fuzzy. I got Wendy on the brain.
Wendy loves my intellect, says she wants to shave my balls. And not a moments hesitation. I’ll be taking all Wendy’s calls. There’s a shift in something somewhere. That time where push has come to shove. I’m not hearing the others calling. Cause I’m down for Wendy’s love.
Now I have not met Wendy. In the person face to face. In the shadows brave and many. In this darkness; human race.
Wendy loves my intellect. Says she wants to shave my balls. And not a moments hesitation. I’ll be taking Wendy’s calls. There’s a shift in something somewhere… A time that push has come to shove. I don’t hear the others calling, because I’m into Wendy’s Love.
Dennis Mantin
Dennis Mantin 
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