The bad luck raised suspicions, on a path that was beat down.

No one dared to look within or see the wise men in the town.

It was happening for eons, as long as Grandad could recall.

Like a dark foreboding plank walk or a dream in which you fall.

Until the child spoke her words that, “Maybe somethings wrong with me?”

So we made a meeting with the Doc, down at the Family Psychiatry.

The doctor raised awareness and we all took a look.

Things are looking so good now, might take Grandma off the hook.

Now life is far from perfect however the family’s not so sad.

Looking in the mirror, not blaming blind luck, good or bad.

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I was a boy when people asked me…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

‘Unafraid.’ I thought.

“I don’t know.” I answered.

I just wanted people to stop hitting me. I just didn’t want to be afraid all the time.

I grew tall and people asked me.

“Why are you so angry?”

“Why do you drink so much?”

“I don’t know. ” I lied.

I am 58 years old and I am a father and I know what I want. To teach her and show her love and support her and be her friend… and paint and make films.

“I will tell story.”

Said I.

Dennis Mantin

Someone once said, “Someday it’s the struggles that you will remember with the most fondness.”

I’ve been reflecting on this, and when I am in those moments, dealing with incompetence or someone being difficult for the sake of being difficult… I come alive in both language and aggression. The things I say in those moments are truly memorable; and when success is achieved in this manner… I don’t think the others remember that with the fondness I do.

I don’t think I owned a computer before I was 40.

I was almost 50 before I had a cellphone.

I’ve been writing on my WordPress account now for 10 years. This is easy.

Writing isn’t hard. Editing and sending files in the correct format is insanely challenging for me because I didn’t grow up with this technology. I learned to type on an actual typewriter.

Copy and paste.

Drag and Drop.

Really?

People say this like I’m supposed to know, and I don’t.

The only reason I long to be wealthy is to know someone who can drag and drop for me.

By the way… this photo was taken in Ireland, and the colors formed naturally from ice particles in the air. Or that’s what the brochure says!

In 10 days, God willing, I will have achieved 19 years Alcohol and drug free. There will be no parade or medallion. This has not been without challenges. However, this sobriety has been peaceful without craving, and for that miracle, I am grateful. I am an alcoholic.

Chances were the premium at the chances store.
Called up their proprietor and asked for just one more.
Inside information suggested relocate.
When they closed the chances store, it sealed the users fate.
With no plans for the future and the future, it is here.
Who knew that the sun would rise and whisper last nights fear?
So we headed for the highway, which ended at the light.
Looked upon arrival, no chances store in sight.
Searching for the answers that will ease the fears.
Some will stand there crying and find few are buying tears.
All are someone’s baby lost along the way.
Strangers and sojourners who have lost the need to pray.
And I say, “Pray”

Dennis Mantin

My friend hasn’t seen her daughter in 11 years, and she’s depressed. She is reaching out to me in the darkness of early morning 2a.m texts.

Beauty and youth have passed on taking humor with it. She is an actress who doesn’t get offered the roles anymore.

I tell her to write. Her perspective from her unique views will be hilarious and sad, I anticipate.

Me? Oh, I’m rolling quarters to pay for a door lock because that’s where it’s at right now.

I am neither depressed nor lonely. I am engaged in the theater of life!