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

She exaggerates like that drunken bum in the park who if you listen carefully is bragging of better days… in his youth when men were men and sheep were nervous and it wasn’t as grand as he claims; just bearable.

She exaggerates to keep her voice from going silent while searching for ears who haven’t turned deaf to to her moans of complaint and bitter disappointments and possibly drowning out the noise of the voices in her head.

It’s a lot to contend with and having escaped from this selfish prison I can tell her that you can’t begin to learn to listen until you stop talking.

Dennis Mantin

My therapist told me that I don’t exist. Not in her eyes.

I am a safety valve! My purpose finally revealed. ..

When I was a child, I wondered what it would be like to be invisible and now I know.

He said, ” And if you’re a good man, you wouldn’t be much of a safety valve. It’s important that she demonize you. ”

Dennis Mantin

A large gaping mouth set upon this gigantic head… Held up by a tiny neck, unable to swallow those desires…

The horror! The horror!!

Now I have the visual of the narcissistic view. They fear they don’t exist…

Darkness fell, it wasn’t mood, it was just the time of day.

Said, “Oh well” I should include, I slept the night away.

The sun did rise, same as before, I knew was just for me.

Closed my eyes and heard the roar of an angry distant sea.

I heard of tales, happened long ago, long before our time.

Of people who had lived and loved with hearts of faith and rhyme.

Dennis Mantin

#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