The sun passed moving shadows.

The shadows hid your flaws.

Hid is to strong a word.

At least it gave them pause.

I was contemplating something.

That might cause you to grin.

Thought of nothing short of self harm.

Or just once, take it on the chin.

I left you on a park bench.

And I swear I saw a tear.

It was such a perfect silhouette.

Not one could be its peer.

I left looking for some action.

Up the road in Korea town.

She had that look of satisfaction.

Said, “I won’t let you down.”

When you tell everyone to ‘Fuck Off’

Don’t be surprised when they Fuck Off.

I’d been searching for the answers… When finally she came along.

Preforming miracles, curing cancers. Giving music to the song.

She taught and gave directions. Even when I didn’t ask.

She let me know my fortune. In her sunshine I could bask.

She showed me all my foibles. And how little I evolved.

I felt criminally unworthy, so I left her. Mystery solved.

The fool spoke the truth and was banished from the kingdom.

The road was long and winding with no clear direction home.

But how could there be a home without the fool?

Nature abhors a vacuum and another fool will always appear and speak out of turn.

Which of course does no good to the original fool except to offer a reminder to the others that his was not an isolated incident.

Being the original fool in this story, who has recovered from said banishment, I try to teach this Proverb above all others…

Even a fool who remains silent can appear wise.

Money is a bit like attention.

The only thing wrong with either of them is when you have too much or too little.

The bad luck raised suspicions, on a path that was beat down.

No one dared to look within or see the wise men in the town.

It was happening for eons, as long as Grandad could recall.

Like a dark foreboding plank walk or a dream in which you fall.

Until the child spoke her words that, “Maybe somethings wrong with me?”

So we made a meeting with the Doc, down at Family Psychiatry.

The doctor raised awareness and we all took a look.

Things are looking so good now, might take Grandma off the hook.

Now life is far from perfect however the family’s not so sad.

Looking in the mirror, not blaming blind luck, good or bad.

Where you stumble, there’s the gold.

Life’s a circle in time that’s rolled.

They never told you, you never knew.

You closed your mind and that time flew.

There is a song that’s strong and true.

You learn the lessons that failure grew.

You play the music, you write the song.

You stay in right, you learn from wrong.

Chances were the premium at the chances store.
Called up their proprietor and asked for just one more.
Inside information suggested relocate.
When they closed the chances store, it sealed the users fate.
With no plans for the future and the future, it is here.
Who knew that the sun would rise and whisper last nights fear?
So we headed for the highway, which ended at the light.
Looked upon arrival, no chances store in sight.
Searching for the answers that will ease the fears.
Some will stand there crying and find few are buying tears.
All are someone’s baby lost along the way.
Strangers and sojourners who have lost the need to pray.
And I say, “Pray”

Dennis Mantin

My biscuits take on butter and my coffee takes on cream.

I’m bored with modern culture, and here I hold the scream.

I am curious and embarrassed to wonder what is next.

Like all anticipation when I’m waiting for her text.

She loves me but I’m doubtful, I know she has a fear.

I’m thinking about dying and there’s nothing quite that clear.

In a world of hope and wonder, there is something almost sad.

Like narcissists self importance when only mirrors are the fad.

I couldn’t keep a straight face.

Oh the smiles had to fall.

That was such a tragic story.

How you suffered for us all.

You walked with Christ and Buddha.

Don’t know how you found the hours.

All those burdens you did overcome.

And still had time to smell the flowers.

I am basking in your glory.

If I dare to stand that tall.

Be careful with that next step.

And that Pride before the fall.