I attended a Baptist Church when I was a boy mainly because a neighbor would drive me there. The Church was a small congregation, less than 30, in a town, less than a 1000.

When the young minister refused to marry the daughter of the neighbor because she was pregnant, the small congregation lost the family of 5 parishoners, plus me because they were my drive.

On the last day that preacher preached in that Church, he closed out by saying, ” We will sing the first and last verses of’ Jesus Loves You. ‘”

The organist whom I had never before speak said in response.

“We will sing them all or we’ll sing none. ”

We sang them all!

Dennis Mantin

This is no hyperbole; I am tired and cranky, ill tempered, out of sorts… I have managed to get through the day and not damage anything or anyone; I think.

The rains came today and I am not anyone named Donald, Harvey or Asia; so it could be far worse.

I remain grateful!

Dennis Mantin

You see it on the highway, you can hear it in the air; It’s racist and its nasty and talks of being fair.

Fueled by being happy and seeking ethereal bliss. It’s a mile or 2 from passion… a fair distance from a kiss.

It’s loud and its messy and just short of on the brink, It’s stretched out on a yoga mat, and seems desperate for a drink.

She’s certain of the enemy and its family and its kin. With emphasis now familiar, do not dare look within.

The hope is there, for something, more gentle and sincere, It’s in a distant mirror from a dream that’s not so clear.

Dennis Mantin

When I was a boy I used to walk 1 mile from the farm to the corner store/gas station. It was during these walks where I think I got in the habit of talking to myself. There were a few farms all the way, where most were to busy to be concerned with my affairs and back then I was obsessed with death, mostly my own. For reasons I don’t know why, I thought I would die when I was 17 or 37 or 57.

I have been living in Toronto for 30 years and whenever you see someone walking around talking to themselves here you just assume they’re crazy.

This year I turn 60 and have never felt better… and have grown past the point where I care what people think about me when I walk and talk.

Dennis Mantin

When Zylia was almost 3 she went on a vacation with her Mom and when she returned I met them at the airport with 2 bouquets… the squeal my daughter let out of her literally stopped everyone in the airport area, which is no small feat.

Whenever I take them to the airport after that, Zylia always requests that I meet them upon their return with a Bouquet of Flowers. I assure her I will which always generates this smile.

I was camera ready the first time which is one of if not my favorite moment of all time.

Dennis Mantin

She said, ” I’m very attractive… I don’t know why. I know it has nothing to do with me.”

I said,  ” You’re right… it has nothing to do with you what you look like. It has everything to do with me. You’ve been blessed with an exceptionally handsome Daddy. As far as you being very attractive… this has nothing to do with how you look.  Do you want to know why?”

” Yes.”

” You’re confident, happy and fun to be around. That’s why you’re very attractive. ”

” Thanks Daddy. ”

” Thank you!”

Dennis Mantin : 

Writer’s tears, have few peers. When courage goes and water flows

Writer’s pain, a sad refrain and courage knows where water flows

It’s loved and lost the greatest cost. Where hope still grows and heaven knows.

Dennis Mantin

I have always been called an outsider. However I am really just an interloper. 

Half Catholic                                                    Half Protestant                                                Neither side wanted me.                              My mother was an interloper too.              She was exiled from her Protestant Tribe For perceived crimes against the Church. Interloper of the highest order that!          I am merely a rank amateur by my mother’s standards… An opportunist by association really! I was born into it…        

A family tradition! My father was cast out of his Catholic Tribe as well… Probably for taking up with a Protestant. Do I need to tell you what they thought of me?

In hindsight, Dad was also an interloper. I have worked at breaking family traditions, simply, for a reprieve from the drama. 

I am a Christian, which come to think of it… might be the truest definition of interloper there is in this society. 

Dennis Mantin 

You must have been a beautiful baby.      Sometimes hard to find your voice…    You must have been a beautiful baby. Doing nothings technically a choice.

You must have been a beautiful baby.        How’d it ever come to this?                        You must have been a beautiful baby.        A face they couldn’t wait to kiss…         

You must have been a beautiful baby…      You had to have been someone’s bliss?      You must have been a beautiful baby.  Did someone go away that you miss ? 

You must have been a beautiful baby    All you say now is dark and down…            You must have been a beautiful baby        Wearing those scar wounds like a crown.

You must have been a beautiful baby Each word more hurtful than the last.  You must have been a beautiful baby  Have you suffered for your past? 

You must have been a beautiful baby        It’s time to grow or die.                            

You must have been a beautiful baby.      But for the Grace of God go I.

Dennis Mantin 

With the passage of time I DON’T have many conversations anymore.              When I DO I hate being interrupted by anyone not involved in the conversation. Upon further examination this is what happens when I just get up and leave.It’s something that happens quite frequently really, getting interrupted. I just need to learn to deal with what I perceive to be rudeness or don’t; or just roll with others joining in, invited or not.

Maybe this is what happens to people when nobody is listening to them anymore? They feel the need to join in and be heard? Maybe they’re just lonely and maybe just maybe I need to lighten it up a bit and leave these antiquated notions behind.

Dennis Mantin