Bug’s said to Daffy, ” Focus on somebody for 2 minutes.”And Bug’s could tell Daffy was thinking about himself… so Bug’s added.” Think about somebody besides yourself for more than 2 minutes. “Daffy said, “That sounds awful… but I’ll do it!

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.

She said her Chinese sign was the dog.

“Determined, trustworthy loyal to a fault.”

I have learned to let things slide in the moment. Some would refer to it as avoiding confrontations or being dishonest…

I think much like her I have an entertaining inner life! I just keep my nonsense more private.Dennis Mantin

My older cousin Fraser whom I haven’t seen in decades doesn’t remember me.

It’s a little unsettling to not register to someone’s mind when they’ve been so important to my memories.

Ah, further motivation to leave my mark with a wee bit more force.

Dennis Mantin

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

I was 50 and 5 years sober with $50,000.00 in the bank. Not rich by modern standards, however, the means were there to provide. I wanted a child for selfish reasons, and for my sins, I got one.

Rachel was batshit crazy though through the beauty and desires, I failed to see it. All was revealed by the time I said no, but by then, it was too late.

I saw Rachel’s mother on a video call. She was angry at me for something I asked, and  with her guard down, I understood where Rachel got her personality. She was her mother if her mother was perpetually angry.

Old and angry is a tough road…

2 signs were hung above the entrance:

The first one read, All Men Must Die

The second read, Prepare To Meet Your Maker.

It was a distant time, before cars and sensitivities had taken over the world.

I am however beginning to understand why many of the old timers refused to go to the hospital.

Dennis Mantin

A woman old enough to know better referred to the girl getting her coffee as “Einstein.”

After the woman left, the barista looked at her co-worker and said, “Can you believe that? She called me Einstein. ”

The co-worker said, “Like being rude?”

She answered, “Like yeah?!”

I don’t know who is more entertaining: millennials or the generation that raised them?

Dennis Mantin

I have tried and failed.

To seek approval in her eyes.

I catch myself even now.

Straining for a glance in her direction.

And quickly look away.

No need to offend.

Such fleeting fragility.

Dennis Mantin