Peace and Quiet have engulfed the land.

The kid goes to school and I work part-time.

There’s nothing but growth and abundance here.

Living in the trenches never prepares you for the quiet of victory.

I have never been in real war, just a domestic one.

I have grown up in a time of world peace and domestic war.

The Sacrifices made by those before us are lost on some…

Nothing is left now except the future.

I have made peace with the past, or at the very least; something that looks like peace.

Now is my time with her and we will always have this.

I know nothing about the future except there’s a a darkness there; an unknown…

So many worries have been about nothing. Fears that have happened because of the words of others or inherited from an ancient past; I don’t know. I just know I am going to face this future with a hope for something more.

Dennis Mantin

10 days without coffee.

It’s really not so bad.

I’ve been napping and I’m sleeping.

The best naps I’ve ever had.

10 days without coffee.

My life is filled with a strange dream

Of making it to day 11.

Not as rough as it might seem.

I never thought I’d get here and yet… Here I am on this trip of getting old.

I am certain now that we all have our own unique experiences and mine is different from yours; however, I am guessing now: that we all come to many of the same conclusions.

1. In my youth I would argue and rail against all inaccuracies I heard. Now I just don’t care if you are right or wrong. You are entitled to your opinions… I  guess.

2. Just this week I got screamed at for saying “good morning “ to a stranger by that stranger. I will not make this mistake again and keep my opinions to myself.

3. Nothing is more important than family. Friends I don’t know anymore. I see friends so seldom. This I had in complete reverse in my younger years.

4. I have always believed in God. Even as a child. I have never believed I was…

5. I have learned to listen. This was hard to accomplish.

6. The work ethic has never left. I am a bit like the Anglicans… We are trying to work our way to heaven.

7. I hate bullies. Always have. Growing up skinny I experienced this phenomenon. I find it interesting to experience fear of me; because I am a large bald man. Life is truly funny and balanced and filled with delightful irony.

8. I will continue to be me as long as I’m allowed; mainly because I know nothing else. I don’t have a plan and perhaps never will. I am according to my daughter a wonderful father and I know of no greater accomplishments.

The mood was psychedelic.

The vibe was out of mind.

There were smiles and some nudity.

Not a road map for the blind.

The enchanted were enlightened.

The trip was great beyond.

The Guru’s all kept taking turns.

At the moaning groaning blonde.

There were feelings of forever.

You just knew it couldn’t last.

There’s a lesson to be learned I’m sure.

All just memories of the past.

I thought the world gone crazy. Inner voice said I was wrong.

I sometimes try to listen. Sometimes I try to be that strong.

‘There’s a movement without leaders. They want what they can’t be.

They use the web and ignorance. No sense that they can see.

Some people just love danger. Like the Joker, they do yearn…

To take away the beauty, and see how the world will burn.

The money came in bunches…

The pain a steady flow.

I asked when it was ending.

Said, “It’s best that you don’t know.”

Ideas were just hunches.

Just streams of come and go.

I see the words and hum a tune.

Sometimes win, or place, or show.

The Play was light and shadows.

Made me think of death and life.

I was single in realities.

In my head she was my wife.

There’s a beauty in the seeing.

There’s a wisdom in this pain.

That I can know and leave behind.

And not look back again.

There’s a time to be self centered.

Happens when you’re a child.

There’s a time for your rebellion.

All is new and you are wild.

There’s a time to be a hero.

There’s a time to be a Dad.

And these times to be your father.

Are the best I’ve ever had.