Soul

I was going to write something from my soul tonight, but I wrote this instead.

That magic feeling when words work is such a high.

It doesn’t last long, but that shit happens every now and then…

Don’t know where it comes but I do know where it goes. On the page.

I just keep pushing. Write that first sentence and something else follows.

Always will until it doesn’t.

Dennis Mantin

Chez J’s

In California where the mangoes grow.

At Chez J’s, there’s a bar you know.

Came a lawyer Bill, who is broken inside.

Goes by the name of Billy McBride.

He took it all, every loss and win.

Like a tailored suit or a deadly sin.

He is Socrates, Columbo and Robin Hood.

Danced with the Devil where the Devil stood.

David slew Goliath at the end day.

He took up a stool at the bar Chez J’s

If it’s too loud and it’s silence he craves.

He’s at the beach eying Billy, watching the waves.

Dennis Mantin

We watched him fail but mostly win. We saw them all, the deadly sin. There was one who saw inside. It’s hard to fool old Billy McBride.

I’m not sure there was a plan. But I do admit I am a fan. David slew GOLIATH and saved the day. And Billy is drinking at Chez Jay.

N

The Fool Spoke

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.

Dennis Mantin

The Banker

I’ve known this Banker for about 10 years and he is one of the most solid individuals I have ever met. His name is John and John is intelligent and speaks the truth. In general I have an affinity for these virtuous traits…

His bosses not so much. They are being unreasonable and difficult and that is life. John has written a letter of complaint on my behalf to his bosses and although I have little in the way of favorable expectations: Johns efforts are appreciated.

I can’t say I’m going to miss the bank I’ve used for 50 years… but change is now inevitable.

Dennis Mantin

The Event

At some point in my dark history an event occurred in which I did something without permission and was presented with the fury of hell.

I don’t know what the event was or whom I pissed off, but it was definitely a woman.

Psychologically I don’t believe I’ve ever recovered.

I find myself very trepidatious especially around women that I am attracted to.

Fortunately for me this is happening less and less.

Dennis Mantin

The Drive

The mist rose off the water.

There was anguish in a song.

I drifted off to somewhere.

Where perhaps I stayed too long.

There were whispers in the melody.

About harm done long ago.

We arrived somehow on schedule.

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

Dennis Mantin