It’s true that I feel half my age… On the day I turn 61. It’s true that all the world’s a stage… And that time is on the run.

I had a nap and a bath and a stroll. I have been off work for a week and am recovered from whatever that was that was ailing me. I am bored! Just going to have to sit with this for awhile. The prognosis for recovery on this one is quite high!

Dennis Mantin

There is no rhyme or reason.

The mind it can be tricked…

None will have peace of mind…

With a heart that seeks conflict.

I met my Grandfather Patrick when I was 20. Patrick was 92 and going blind. He had been muster gassed in the first world war. Being young and immature I was horrified by the realization of him losing his sight. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry… I’ve seen enough.”

I’m 60 now and am beginning to get what he meant. Life is like that.

Dennis Mantin

I wasn’t born with the sense to listen and hold my thoughts from my tongue.

Learning things when I’m older, I could never know when I was young.

It’s all part of the process and I don’t know if it’s Devine.

I can’t say what’s yours. I don’t even know what’s mine.

They wanted so badly to talk. They had so much to say.

I stared off blankly to the past, and somewhere far away.

Dennis Mantin

It’s early in December.

All work is on the shelf.

I have something to remember.

Be good to thine own self.

Dennis Mantin

I used to have laughing fits, which were apparently extremely offputting, if you were the object of my joy.

One winter morning; I was 7 and laughing at my mother who was getting me ready for school. She snapped the scarf around my neck and pushed me out backwards into a snowbank and shut the door.

I quickly realized I couldn’t breathe and she was none the wiser. I had to get my laughter under control long enough to get my mitts off using my teeth and squeezing my fingers to my scarf so I could breath before passing out.

Once I was successful, I just laid down laughing, not oblivious to the fact that I almost F#@king died from laughter.Dennis Mantin

Next month, God be willing, I will enter my 8th decade on this rock that spins…

I have no memory of the 50’s.

The 60’s, my childhood, seemed like one long head cold interrupting moments of abject terror.

The 70’s began with the death of my mother and the depression that followed that.

My 80’s and 90’s were fueled by addiction and not nice to look at from any P.O.V. Ending with a new millennium and hope.

The 2000’s brought sobriety, meeting my father whom I was told was dead and obviously wasn’t, and change.

The decade of the 2010’s brought my daughter and a love I am so grateful to have not missed.

I don’t know what is on the horizon, however I am thankful and grateful for all of this life.

What a ride!Dennis Mantin

I froze.

She met my eyes on the subway and smiled. It had been so long since I’d seen a friendly feminine face who wasn’t after something that I turned to see who was behind me. A wall.

She was smiling at me and I froze.As she left the train, more eye contact and another smile.

Who is she and what does she want?Never get off the train!

Before your destination… Never get off the train!!Dennis Mantin

I have rarely talked with strangers… I have been silent for very long now. Keeping my thoughts at bay; caged behind an exposed expression.I am starting to open up, having determined that this is the exception… I get smiles now mainly as I have learned to engage without offense.So far so good.Dennis Mantin