The Relax

I didn’t dare relax much. Kept my back towards the sun.

I seen someone try it once and they kinda came undone.

They worked all days but Sundays, in the fields, their skin was brown.

Their outlook wasn’t rosy and their words could bring you down.

They grew in the ‘Depression. Maybe didn’t grow to tall.

I suggested that they relax once which was the beginning of the fall.

I sometimes think about them, but never for too long.

I have found a different way, not saying right or wrong.

Dennis Mantin

Their Smiles

Their smiles came so easy. I was awestruck… just amazed!

To wonder what it must be like to be feeling that unfazed.

To grow up with a knowing trust; that you’ll never be let down.

That someone’s looking out for you, and is here and not left town.

I felt I shouldn’t warn them of their fates so sure to come.

Cause I kinda like their happy talk, You know it really works for some.

So I smiled insincerely, tried it on, felt like a fool.

I’ll just stick to what I know, in the deep end of the pool.

Dennis Mantin

The Decision

I decided to do nothing.

Just to sit and stare.

To stay silent in the madness.

Drift to God knows where.

They called it meditation.

I called it hold the voice.

In the circuses of memory.

I guess I always had a choice.

Dennis Mantin

The Test

People have been pondering the questions… ‘Where do we come from? Where are we going to? What is the purpose of life?’ for as long as anyone can remember.

God appears to me to be the only answer. It doesn’t matter to me what you or anyone else believes… because clearly, you don’t know anything more about this than me.

Life for me seems to have been one long test that I have not tired of… oh I am tired, however this compared to the unknown alternatives?? I take this every time.

Dennis Mantin

The Buried Past

It sounds so ominous and permanent; The Buried Past.

The process is like this: a title like ‘the buried past’ comes to mind and I start from that:

THE BURIED PAST

The Buried Past, long shadows cast… Disappears in futures sun.

I keep you near, and lose the fear… I only write but tell no one.

Dennis Mantin

Goodbyes

It is somewhat tough saying ‘Goodbye.’ I guess it depends on who it is. However, these days for me, it’s anyone who treats me nice.

I have not spoken with someone for 10 months that I had communicated with daily for 10 years and I don’t miss them at all; mainly because I have never been so disrespected and mistreated by anyone in my life.

Sometimes I wonder what horrible things I must have done to deserve such treatment and then I realize I am not special. They treat anyone that way if given the opportunity.

The strange thing about people who don’t love and respect themselves is that they treat kindness as a weakness.

Dennis Mantin

We Wait

Patience is always a welcome virtue. However, seldom present when needed.

‘I want what I want and I want it NOW!’

Fuck that, we wait…

What I am waiting for now is a court date for sole custody of my child. I can wait with patience because she is with me and is safe and doing well.

Generally speaking I follow the rules. Where I work there are 2 rules… Both are, ‘Never be late.’ We wait.

A problem for rule followers like myself is doing business with those who don’t follow rules and this is why Lawyers are in such high demand.

I choose not to be a criminal and choose to be a civilian. Not because I feel one vocation more noble than the other necessarily… its just I am a natural worrier and get greater peace of mind from working for my money.

Dennis Mantin

The Outlier

She said, “You’re the Outlier. “

I smiled mainly because I like standing alone and being right!

I envisioned the poster of the sheep falling off the cliff and the ‘one’ going in the opposite direction saying, ” Excuse et Moi… Excuse et Moi.”

Dennis Mantin

Bumper Sticker #2

It read… ‘Jesus Loves You! Everyone else thinks you’re an asshole.’

I didn’t take it personal; I was just glad to find a parking spot.

The man who made my Americano had a tattoo that read, ‘Forever Mom.’

I have a tattoo that reads, “Accept. Breathe. Listen. The test never ends. Be Loving. Be Free.’

I fail on many days and rarely feel alone.

Dennis Mantin