Vacation Time is over.

6:30 Monday Grind.

It’s cold here in the city.

The warmth is hard to find.

Ned the cat isn’t happy.

The kid is late for school.

I am going back to bed.

To dream The Golden Rule.

I fell out of love by mid-day.

The snow was white and fast.

There was crunching in the footsteps.

All the praise for cold had passed.

I was huddled with my cafe cream.

I was braced at distant storm.

Then I remembered that you weren’t here.

Once again, my heart did warm.

In the land of faith and plenty.

Some say you never knew.

To look the ‘Gift Horse’ in the mouth.

Bit off more than cud could chew.

You sat in view of judgments.

In the fields, you moo out loud.

If you are standing in the spotlight.

Just tell them you are proud.

They are winning without power.

Smiling without joy.

Waiting for the perfect hour.

To pillage and destroy.

I’ve been typecast as the villain.

By the Liar and the Thief.

I’m not immuned to all that Killin…

Guilty conscience is my grief.

Dennis Mantin

She was wide on bathroom stairwell.

Painful slow in her decent.

Impatient from all the waiting.

She zigged, I zagged, and down she went.

I called for reinforcements

Had a piss but not too long.

Please come to Gus’s Taco.

And bring someone who is strong.

All is quiet here at mid-day.

Had my fill of sleep and dreams.

The plot was holding true to form.

Not a thing is as it seems.

We all smile for masks and photos…

Except the ones who care no more.

They stand screaming in the shadows.

Outside the corner coffee store.

The poverty is crippling.

The addictions sing and dance.

Me, I’m with my baby.

Keeping quiet, Second Chance.

I’ve gotten soft in my old days.

A bit too much of patience pays.

Can’t teach a thing of these new ways.

Danced the dance. The fiddler plays.

I’m lazy now. Can I dig deep?

I think a lot and then I sleep.

Made a plan I couldn’t keep.

Told no one. Sow what I reap.

I got stuck back there at go.

I was sure you heard my call.

I finally found a way to know.

And blamed it all on alcohol.

There was a way to be that good.

However, I couldn’t be with y’all.

You were there. You understood.

Didn’t fail me, and that’s not all.

You take your chances. You pay the toll.

You chose the path you heed the call.

You left me there. That’s how you roll.

I have this gift, but that’s not all.

I’m just better off alone.

And that’s not all.

I tried to write at midnight.

Nothing much would come.

Not little rhymes or idle thoughts.

Somehow, I’m froze and numb.

Giggles in the other room.

She is happy now, it seems

I won’t ask. Just pray it lasts.

And just take that to my dreams.

Goodnight and Happy New Year!