From 4 In The Morning… (Sometime in 1979) [When I was barely 20]

I seldom worry about the event.Just your opinion. I can’t control what happens. However, your feelings I try to.

Perfection is my problem. I never seem to achieve it. But I know I’ll be bored if I ever do.

First impressions are the worst. Especially if they’re bad. It may not be difficult to make a mountain from a molehill. However, it’s impossible from a hole.

Dennis Mantin

Suicide (1979)

Walked in silence on the snows hard crust. My mind it roamed from wrong to the just. I watched an eagle swing from the sky… The silence was broken with his mighty cry.

He looked so proud. He looked so tough. His freedom, his kingdom. His only musts.

Then, a mighty thrust that shook the air. In seemingly gloom and much despair. His blood fell on his rocks from our of the air… And the silence was broken beyond repair.

No doubt nine times out of 10; Suicide is killing yourself in spite of yourself.

Dennis Mantin

I Like

I like where I am.

Zero desires to be someone else.

Comfortable with what I’ve become.

I have far from all the answers.

I watch the struggles of the young, and I remember.

I remember the despair and confusion.

I want to tell them that it will be all right.

That this to shall pass.

However, really, I don’t know.

I like that I grew up when I did… before everyone knew everything.

I like that I don’t know…

Dennis Mantin

The Anxiety of Exams

I’m watching her go through this anxiety of being tested: I had exams nightmares for decades after the last one was completed. This can not be isolated to just us, can it?

I tell her how little really rides on the success or lack thereof in the whole scheme of things… relax! I’ll still love you.

I really don’t care about marks on tests. I think it’s probably more important to learn how to navigate the problems of humans and their peculiarities.

Dennis Mantin

Shot Down (2005)

Another day, sundown.
Another night, sundown.
Orange to black, sundown.
Fades to midnight blue.
There’s nothing I can’t do.

And here comes the night
And I don’t know why
I hear your voice
And I lose my way.
Where are you now?
Can I touch you somehow?
You’re somewhere near sleep where images fade.
And here comes the sun.
Another night is done.
Here comes the sun.
And here I go again.

Saw the man, shot down.
Heard his voice, shot down . Eyes rolled white, shot down. Breathe goodbye that sound. Fades to midnight blue. There’s nothing I can do.

Another day shot down.
Another night shot down.
Orange to black.
Shot down.
Fades to midnight blue.
There’s nothing I can do.

DENNIS MANTIN

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.

Dennis Mantin