It is drama in the kitchen.
Exaggeration on the phone.
Silence in the bedroom.
Until we are all alone.
It is drama all this bitchin.
Humiliation… no atone.
Beauty is just skin deep.
And Ugly goes to the bone.
UGLY
Category: Writing
The Silence
I’ve grown tired and silent amidst all this language of defining with, what a woman is and ciswoman and keeping up with the genders. Do we really have this much time on our hands? I am weary of bitcoin and investments making money while you sleep because of the luxury this creates, and in all this talk about money, I’ve grown silent… I hear rumors and rumors of war, and in the silence, I think, ah…
Look Them in the Eyes
NEW BOOK RELEASE!
Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
ACCOLADES
Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
Kings, Whores and Lonely Men
We’ve been in the battle royal.
Taking chin shots in our stride.
Telling myths so we don’t spoil.
Laughing loud, the truth inside.
It is such a lie, all this beauty.
Of Kings, Whores and Lonely Men.
No more joy. Accounts and duty.
Bite your tongue and count to 10.
Abundant and Clear
Having thoughts lots about dying.
And other things that I don’t know.
Its not the fear that’s got me down.
Just that I don’t want to go.
Now sure I know I have no choice.
Has been made abundant and clear.
This transformation is all the rage.
I just kinda like it here.
I hear all this complaining.
What’s wrong about this and that.
You never really stood a chance.
With an attitude like that.
Nature
I recognized my nature.
Not much was steeped in good.
There was this strange sensation.
Like maybe I just should.
Forget it all and start a new.
Take the narrow view to wide.
Take my head out from my ass.
And maybe look outside.
Not all is gain or glory.
Not all is pain and strife.
The road the path the choices made.
It’s a wild ride this life.
Shadow Self 48″×48″ Acrylic on Canvas
‘Remember’ Acrylic on Canvas – 60″x48″
Observations Nearing the Halfway Point
I can’t say I’m shocked. I didn’t expect less complaining. However, I did think there might be more gratitude.
I understand human nature for what it is: undeniable selfish.
I was told: ‘You will know a new freedom and a new happiness. You will be amazed before you are halfway through.’
Well, I must be nearing the halfway mark because I am truly amazed.
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