I learned to meditate in prison from an old convict named Jack Miller. When I could melt the bars away, he taught me the rules of life. He said.

” Everybody goes through life thinking they don’t have to live by any rules…
“I’m here ta tell ya, yur gonna have ta live by 2 rules.
“Everyone knows rule number 1. However, very few people know rule number 2.
“Rule # number 2 is never shit in your own nest. ”
“What’s rule number 1?” I asked.
” I’m glad you asked.” He answered.

“It depends on what you are. If you’re a criminal like me, then it’s never get caught. If you’re a civilian, then it’s some version of do no harm to others.”
I confessed. “I think I’m a civilian. ”
Jack smiled, ” For you, my friend, I think that would be wise.”
Neither one of us ever went back. I was 20, and Jack was 60.

Dennis Mantin

It’s hard to explain. How time flies.

Felt an older pain of some sad  goodbyes.

That couldn’t push away. You know I tries.

Memories fade faster than no dry eyes.

I was wrong. You were/are the best.

To know you, I was so blessed.

Thanks again, and now I confessed.

Letting go now is off my chest.

A rich man drives a taxi.

A poor man drives a Ford.

But my old man

Goes down the street

With four wheels on a board.

MARGARET MANTIN

I have a rule at home that goes something like this. I don’t care what you tell them out there in the world, but here at home; you tell me the truth.

If I find out that I’ve been lied to, then I usually react in a frothy emotional outburst.

I have noticed that my reactions have neither slowed down the rate of the lies or changed anything.

Therefore, I am beginning to believe that truth is a myth we tell ourselves. Clearly, I don’t know the answers for certain. However, since I used to be physically beaten as a child in an attempt to stop me from not telling the truth; I see this development as steps in the right direction.

Hence, the frothy emotional outbursts have ceased…

An old man was meandering up the sidewalk with a cane, and the button on his tweed hat read ‘ Peace begins with a smile ‘
I thought to myself, “So does deception; but it was early, and I hadn’t had my coffee.”
Dennis Mantin

I remember a time before the internet.

Before we knew how people really thought.

Previous to everyone’s published opinions.

A time when the credo was, “If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say it. ” or “Shut the fuck up!” 

Now, people hide behind the safety of internet anonymity or don’t understand the consequences of writing every thought, and statistics indicate that most people are alone now.

The internet has facilitated the destruction of the relationship.

I’m tired in a good way.

A drop of love and pinch of hope.

A tender mix of courtesy.

Laid off the pills and dope.

Prayers for peace and understanding.

I see a twinkle in those eyes.

I am prepared for most anything.

Except psychotic pain and lies…

I’ve been thinking about a future.

One for sure I can’t predict.

Keeping armed and smiling warmly.

Have my degree in high conflict.

A woman old enough to know better referred to the girl getting her coffee as “Einstein.”

After the woman left, the barista looked at her co-worker and said, “Can you believe that? She called me Einstein. ”

The co-worker said, “Like being rude?”

She answered, “Like yeah?!”

I don’t know who is more entertaining: millennials or the generation that raised them?

Dennis Mantin

The advisor said, “Kill them with kindness.”

Sometimes you have to recognize that avoiding conflict with someone who is addicted to conflict is the only option if avoiding a pyrrhic victory.

Writing cheques to keep peace appears weak to some… I get it.

However, if you don’t raise children in a safe, peaceful environment, then you’ll be dealing with therapy for the rest of their lives.

It’s calmer in the evenings, bathing in that sparkling light.

Just moments of peace and wonder where wonder brings the night.

Before the fears take over and time has had her way.

Its nothing short of dying and those words you try to say.

It’s because we love and want and out of that we grow the fear.

When I see my daughter and wish my Mom was here…