Winters Coming

It’s peaceful here in the morning, just before the break of dawn.

No plans are in the future and the past is all but gone.

I’ve got this in the rearveiw and the deal is day by day.

There are sober somber thoughts here that I fear are here to stay.

I was blessed with something cordial, but I don’t think that was me.

I know that winters coming. Looking like a storm to me.

Dennis Mantin

The Ether

She will disappear soon…

All memories of her will be gone.

Into the ether.

Of the time and space continuim.

I put so much importance on her, and now to just let her go.

A human nature flaw that I see in myself and others.

How can we want something so much; and then say “fuck it” when we don’t get my needs met?

There is much humanity swirling in the ether I suspect.

Dennis Mantin

Thanksgiving 2022

There were salmon down in the river. Colors filled the yard.

There was disdain in the bedroom. There was more trash to discard.

There is trouble in the henhouse. In the fields golden corn.

Everyone will eat well this evening and more resentments will be born.

There is something in the water and bad vibes in the air.

The neighbors are still screaming and I no longer care.

Dennis Mantin

Sad But True (2015)

There is a heart shaped carve in rosewood.
There’s a line drawn in the sand.
I pray there on grace and wonder,
and there’s a baby, she’s in my hand.

There’s a virtue called forgiveness.
From a force we can’t see.
It’s how I deal with darkness.
Of how I feel when you’re with me.

I struggle now to hear you.
Seek approval in your eyes.
I hate you for your beauty.
Like I love you for your lies.

It’s a sad sad situation
Department sad but true.
You fear that they are coming
And you fear what they will do.

It’s a sad sad situation
Under heading sad but true
You fear that they are coming
No one is coming for you.

Dennis Mantin

The Chances Store (1975)

(A song I wrote about leaving high school)

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”

Get down on your knees sweet Charlotte , get down on your knees
I know you have a mission and I hope it is to please.
Take me to your leader because I think I’ve found the cure.
It’s a love that is botanical with determination pure.

Dennis Mantin

Baby Loves Clowns (1995)

I don’t know why my baby loves clowns.
Whose painted on tears never fall down.
I don’t know what she sees in their eyes
Perhaps the line between horror/surprise…

I don’t know why my baby can’t sing.
Why carnival music isn’t her thing.
It fills my head when I’m at the fair.
Searching for clues in clowns everywhere.

I don’t know why she screams at night.
I hope it’s not why she holds me so tight.
Because I’m the type I’m weak for love.
Carnival music I rise above.

Is it the pain or is it the tears?
For some carnival crime from yesteryears.
Maybe it’s you, maybe I’ll never know.
Maybe it’s me, baby let go.

(chorus)

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the kings horses and all the kings men.
Tried and they tried but she fell down again.

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
She went to her shrink ended up at the mall.
Humpty Dumpty wanted it all.

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

At First

I thought I’d miss her at first, however no… I didn’t really know her at all.

I was a distraction for her to get through a difficult time…

Nothing to be sad about really! I’ve been thought about as much less.

I loved her for her beauty but that is a weakness of mine.

I only miss the illusion of what wasn’t going to happen and even this won’t last.

Nothing does…

Dennis Mantin

Saturday Past Midnight

Saturday past midnight.

Every star is in the skies.

I am waiting for the sun to come.

To go home and close my eyes.

They are filming in the shadows.

Stuntmen fight and lovers dance.

There is something in the sequel.

About a heroes second chance.

I’m not being callous or cavalier.

I’m not saying I don’t care.

I’m not saying that I’m not grateful.

I’m just got old and I’ve been there.

Dennis Mantin