Gone away the day you arrived.                   She loves you…We never survived. 
Gone away that day you came                       She loves you, can’t speak my name. 

Gone away, I miss my friend.                       In silence my words offend.                        A miracle to us is how you come.                 Be who you are not who you’re from.

She’s gone away far from me                       To be  with you as far as I can see.           It’s nothing new this path of few                 Just the legacy of me and you.                                                                 

Dennis Mantin 

She said, ” I have to hack a butt. ”

I said, ” The expression is hack a dart… however I catch your drift.  You’re choosing slow suicide. ”

Her eyes glazed over a forced smile as she mouthed, ” Fuck you.”

” You’re welcome. ”

Dennis Mantin 

I have met people in my life that have experienced happy childhoods which they have segued into happy mature confident adult lives… 

I will not name names as I feel this would be somewhat akin to divulging the locations of the unicorns and leprechauns…

Your secrets are safe with me my friends…

Dennis Mantin 

Somewhere Between Raindrops                  Aware where my mind goes.                    Lost all need to worry                                 About details no one knows. 

Somewhere in a dark room                           When I fear to close my eyes                       It still seems to happen                                  The distance between us flies.

I love you more than want you                     Tis no longer about control                            I handed that over with the keys            

   Reluctantly paid the toll.

Dennis Mantin 

When the wolves are chasing your 

sleigh… It’s alright to throw a cookie. However it’s unwise to stop and bake a cake. 

Dennis Mantin 

His nickname was FLIPPER. This was due to his abilities to flip into a rage. However, when I first met him, I was unaware of his name origin.

PERSONALITY 1 – Flipper showed up for work on Monday, broke; without cigarettes or food. He begged and borrowed and got through the week with HUMILITY  and PATIENCE,  awaiting his first payday the following Thursday.

PERSONALITY 2 – In the hour before the paychecks arrived Flipper began to swagger. He looked at me and stated.

” Me and the boys are goin ta git some blow tonight.”  The boys we’re 2 mid twenties subordinates who’d been supplying Flipper with food and cigarettes since they’d all started working together the previous week.

Flipper was their leader. 

PERSONALITY 3 – Flipper showed up for work late on Friday, impaired and tired. He struggled through the day and when he bummed money the day after payday, his plight was met with distain and he was sent home.  The last time I saw Flipper was weeks later; he was walking down the street, arguing with a woman pushing a baby in a stroller. 

Dennis Mantin 

Kelly told me 25 years ago…

” You will meet people there; who will complain about free food. That’s just the way they are. Nothing will ever be good enough. Stay away from those people!’

I have always followed this advice… As soon as I hear the expression of complaint and pain, I walk away. This has served me well and makes my world smaller and manageable.

Dennis Mantin 

Spiritually enlightened!                             You might not have to ask.                        Just listen… She will tell you.                       In her glow you can bask.  

Patriarchal dominance                                 Now that was not much fun                     It’s like a month of Sunday’s                     All rolled into one.

Bathing now in estrogen                   Information it just flows                               A wee bit like Pinocchio                            The energy just grows!

                       

Dennis Mantin 
                                

It landed there years ago, swam and settled, made a home, raised a family and you weren’t there, just your words, festering, staining, rotting, being you…

You were young and stupid, some claimed evil, but that I doubt as you were not that smart ; I just gave you too much power at the time because I was needy. 

I wish I could have been your older brother and not your younger one, because you could have used the guidance… We said goodbye long ago .

Dennis Mantin 

She’s tired beyond crazy                                 She’s lost that gently touch                          I loved her for her beauty                              but now it’s not so much…

She’s tired beyond crazy                             Fighting monsters of goodbye                   That everyone she’s loved and lived         Like her are going to die.   

I’ve been less than careful                         I’ve been more than sure                             I’ve been feeling kinda special                     I’ve consulted with the poor. 

She’s tired beyond crazy                             She’s got that will to stay                         Can anything be that heavy?                     And not get in the way?

She’s talking now to spirit’s                   She’s counting out the time                       She’s more alone than lonely                 She was a friend of mine. 

Dennis Mantin