January 2022

The cold came from the northland. The heat comes from piped steam.

We were huddled back into the quilts. Where some words faded to a dream.

There was beach and sand and seagulls. Fishermen grimaced at their nets.

A sound that made me homesick. And another that I forgets.

I’m trapped here in this city. Not as young as I used to be.

If I ever get out of here. You will find me by the sea.

Dennis Mantin

Bad to Worse

Made the choice between worse and bad. You are not the worst I’ve ever had…

I made the choice tween bad and worst. You’re just the last one; I think of first.

You are nothing special in a world of pain. You just smile sweetly and take again.

There is something sweet that I have found. I feel so much better with you not around.

Dennis Mantin

The Line

The line formed past the blue coats.

Pain and failure filled the eyes .

No more love or time outs.

No more try, we’ve said goodbyes.

The train had had left the station.

We are lining up in court.

The judge has heard it all before.

All these failures to report.

There is hope on the horizon.

There are dreams we might attain.

I’ve made my bed, I’m lying low.

I’m too wise to try again.

Dennis Mantin

Bad Blood

There is bad blood walking down that road, with a stride of discontent.

Something bad is in the water here, and the money’s all been spent.

The business men and lawyers have no more dividends to cash.

They’ve scraped the bottom dry and clean. Leaving bad blood and a rash.

The spirits have come calling, say there’s not much left to do.

Or in my dreams I heard a voice, “Out of bad blood beauty grew.”

Dennis Mantin

Celebration 🍾

It was a quiet celebration, and no one rang the bell.

I mostly sat there smiling, alone while silence fell.

There was something of a rumor; though whispers seldom choose.

No one knew what I could know, and loose lips sometimes lose.

I like the taste of chocolate. Pride goes before the fall.

I’m thinking how I almost drowned in that sea of alcohol.

Fate has shone her blessings, no luck, good or bad is cure.

I’ve got that shiny gift it seems, that faith and love endure.

Dennis Mantin

Disseminating Lies

I thought she raised suspicions, by the look in that man’s eyes.

He scanned her features slowly, as if  disseminating lies.

Her look was drunk obnoxious; She said, “I ain’t hurt no one!”

His look suggested he’d had enough, enough to send her on the run.

Now the room returned to quiet. Except the printers rhythmic hum.

I folded up the forms for court, and cashed out the proper sum.

Dennis Mantin