I knew there was a story and how the story goes.

With fragments all so shattered in the land of never knows.

Has no structure or beginnings but it’s all from Dad and Mom.

And steeped in disappointment, she’s banging on that drum.

All bitter with it’s rage behind a mask of smile.

She needed me to listen, I couldn’t spare the while.

I sometimes search my heart, would I repeat this thing I did?

It goes to yes each every time, if only for the kid.Dennis Mantin

There’s a place called Deception River.

They don’t say that anymore.

It’s cold there in the wintertime.

Waters frozen to the shore.

It rises there at midnight.

Sometimes with the sun.

Rise and falling past that farm.

Where I still miss someone.

I seldom ever go there.

It’s where I learned to swim.

Its where they tried to drown me.

Still far but growing dim.

Dennis Mantin

This is Eden… in this world of radiance. Shimmer shifts of visionary transformations.

It’s in God’s nature; and in the sun at the horizons; and in the awe and in the spirit of transitory metaphorical artists; that’s where we are.

Be still and breathe and watch and listen.

Listen… for words will fall short here.Dennis Mantin

The warmth of day gives way to a cool night and wondrous sleep.

I work now, rarely raising my head past the narrow Meditation that is money.

I feel healthy and strong in ways that are appreciated for what they are.

Transition is in the air…

Dennis Mantin

A narrow path is a dangerous way.

The 5 main ancient virtues of the medieval knights were Temperance, courage, love, loyalty and courtesy.

The journey is treacherous at the noblest point of nature and spirit.

Maybe angels do dance on pinheads to make room for you and I and good and evil, darkness and light, fear and desire.

We know so little..Dennis Mantin

Is life worth leaving?

Is there a place to find?

Does it all mean anything?

Will some get left behind?

I am bound by duty. Sometimes lust and fear. If I look to far inside, will I get lost in here?It’s beauty and it’s terror.

It’s all about letting go. And finding just a pinch of faith and saying I don’t know.Dennis Mantin

Having fewer and fewer conversations. Even those who I used to really get down and dirty with are now just reduced to polite sound bites.

How are you? I’m good thanks. Little puffs of next to nothingness… like farts in a storm, there and then nothing.

I have reduced this to a nod and grin from a smile and wave. Sometimes I can’t even muster a grunt.

I’m guessing it’s an age thing… The filters almost clogged now. As if speaking might release a grumpy old bastard.Dennis Mantin

I didn’t know what was needed.

I just knew that you weren’t sure.

Clear like a cool spring morning breeze.

Your thoughts were far from pure.

I stacked the odds against you.

Or at least you told your mind.

Seems the problem with illusions.

Good intentions are hard to find.

Wasn’t trained for right reactions.

That would satisfy your core.

You thought I used to much force.

And I thought I needed more.

It’s good that we can talk now.

It’s more than some folks do.

I’ve learned so much about this.

And a child led us through.Dennis Mantin

Is prison a metaphor for freedom?Does up stand in for down?You’re to afraid to follow your bliss?In those waters you swim or drown.It’s one of life’s greatest mysteries.Perhaps the greatest of all.You either find the will and way…Or you find you’re not that tall.

Dennis Mantin

When I was Young I would share my horrible honesty.

For I never learned the subtle art of bullshit…

I see this now as a handicap of huge proportions.

Perhaps a mild form of asperger’s, no filters between thoughts and tongue and not a clue to just shut the fuck up.

Ah the memories! The entertainment and shame.

Dennis Mantin