The sleep did come in bunches, with no time for dreams inside.
I was betting on some hunches, on a tip from friends who hide.
They are lurking in the shadows, but I always take their call.
They caution when they’re nervous, they prepare for when they fall.
I’ve been working at the ready, banking what I can.
But the monkey on my back is harsh and not part of any plan.
But at last I feel well rested, I’m not planning something new.
I’ll keep the faith and plan each step and trust in far and few.
My plans were ripe for alter and change was in the air.
Nothing ventured and little gained amidst cries for foul and fair.
I would have left her in the future, but it never got that far.
So far from truly knowing, just who and what we are.
I know I said I loved her but there’s no way that can be true.
I tried so hard to make things work with chances far and few.
And then she got so angry from this well of ancient rage.
Something happened long ago, so I bounced and turned the page.
Excuses are not necessary but they make us feel so good.
Its all about the play of life in this world of could and should.
NEW BOOK RELEASE!
Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
ACCOLADES
Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
There’s this thing that isn’t really there…
You somehow know it after a while.
Hangs out like an unwanted friend.
Like a favorite shirt that’s out of style.
I saw quite clearly yesterday.
Had some sleep. Woke up today.
Heard the nails on that chalkboard.
Then, like magic, you fade away.
I don’t know what’s on the horizon.
I’m not surprised by much anymore.
You said a lot and had your say.
No one has been listening like before.
I had to choose, so I chose work.
I felt too inadequate for love; too poor…
I didn’t go willingly, nooooooo!
However in the end it was wisest of choices.
Being a romantic gets you lost in feelings…
I have found it is better to be trusted than loved.
The problem is not that you lied.
The problem is that I can’t trust you again.
The problem is that I held you above the masses and now you are just among the herd, grazing, shitting, complaining; or whatever it is your lot does down there…
The Fever broke at at midnight.
I was naked and in sweats.
Not a terribly pretty picture.
But for now as good as gets.
I don’t get sick that often.
There’s a tickle with the cough.
The alarm is set mid-morning.
More bad dreams and then I’m off.
Tolkien’s Night
Paul Fournier called and he’s shutting down THE ART STUDIO!!
Paul is in his 80’s and this day and call were INEVITABLE…
I am not sad, strangely; however I will miss ALL OF IT.
Paul, painting, talking with Paul, being with ZYLIA painting…
The kindest, most talented, most humble CHRISTIAN MAN I HAVE EVER MET.
WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE EXPERIENCE THIS HAS BEEN. THANK YOU PAUL FOURNIER. 😊 💓
Dennis Mantin 
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