#1

If you want to know how Spiritual someone is… just say no to them.

#2

If you want to find out how spiritual someone is, suggest they offer an apology to the family member they are feuding with…

Dennis Mantin

The story goes that a tornado ripped apart a town leaving the townsfolk in total ruin.

A young boy looked at his mother upon returning to the shambles that once was their home and commented:

“Look Ma, ain’t it great! The winds stopped blowing. ”

Thus he was labeled ‘ The Fool. ‘

In his defense I would like to point out that his joy at being alive is perhaps buoyed by the sheer wisdom that if you are alive and well, he can always start again.

Dennis Mantin

I have one person who is mean to me.

I have one person who calls me names.

I have 1 person who tries to make me feel bad about myself and goes out of her way to try to manipulate me.

Not bad on a planet of billions!

However it’s amazing how this can negatively affect one’s spirit.

Dennis Mantin

Has been many a moon, since I’ve taken a seat at anything but the Bountiful Table.

I remember the 5 days of not eating in the blush of youth when I was too proud to beg and too stupid to steal, as a long ago Myth that happened to someone else… but no, that was me.

I still have trouble asking for what I want. Still fear those rejections. Will give no voice to that lack of power.

I believe in the collective unconscious of my forefathers; guiding from a force of which there is no understanding, just gratitude.

I don’t fear not sitting at that table however I recognize the lack of joy elsewhere.

Dennis Mantin

The truth struck a chord. The wine it was poured, and the pain with the fear walked away.

The night air was cool for the beauty and fool with their guests sang and danced all the way.

And Love conquers all, but when motors do stall, then who is it the fiddler does pay?

Lessons are learned to all those concerned and the fool lost his nerve; feet of clay.

There’s a moral you know and there’s choices that go and it depends if you listen or say.

The listener got bored and their faith was restored and the night once again turned to day.

Dennis Mantin

When I was Young I would share my horrible honesty.

For I never learned the subtle art of bullshit…

I see this now as a handicap of huge proportions.

Perhaps a mild form of asperger’s, no filters between thoughts and tongue and not a clue to just shut the fuck up.

Ah the memories! The entertainment and shame.

Dennis Mantin

My 7 year old tells me that if I date anyone, that she’ll never speak to me again.

“So my dating life is over?”

“Yes.” She answered.

“I’m kinda relieved actually… I was never that good at it anyway.” I offered.

“You get that from me.” She said. “I’m terrible at it. I tried the hip talk and the cool sunglasses, and nothing works.”

“Just be yourself and someone will love you just for being you… I think that might be why we’re so bad at dating. We don’t put on a mask. We just be ourselves.”Dennis Mantin

Having fewer and fewer conversations. Even those who I used to really get down and dirty with are now just reduced to polite sound bites.

How are you? I’m good thanks. Little puffs of next to nothingness… like farts in a storm, there and then nothing.

I have reduced this to a nod and grin from a smile and wave. Sometimes I can’t even muster a grunt.

I’m guessing it’s an age thing… The filters almost clogged now. As if speaking might release a grumpy old bastard.Dennis Mantin

I didn’t know what was needed.

I just knew that you weren’t sure.

Clear like a cool spring morning breeze.

Your thoughts were far from pure.

I stacked the odds against you.

Or at least you told your mind.

Seems the problem with illusions.

Good intentions are hard to find.

Wasn’t trained for right reactions.

That would satisfy your core.

You thought I used to much force.

And I thought I needed more.

It’s good that we can talk now.

It’s more than some folks do.

I’ve learned so much about this.

And a child led us through.Dennis Mantin