That Smile

Most times all it takes is a smile.

Delusional hope will follow.

The world will once again be a thing of joy.

Oh it’s not as bad as it used to be.

Now I just nod and walk away and say thank you!

Do women truly know their powers?

Dennis Mantin

The Bus

There’s a lot of lonely out here…

Oh I could be wrong.

Maybe people are just mean and angry, Stewing in raging silence.

I know they have opinions, I read them on the internet.

But not here.

Here on the bus they keep that shite to themselves.

Dennis Mantin

Sister

You used to call me Brother and sister I don’t know why.

Once  you were my Sister but that is long goodbye.

There’s a scar above that blister and I know you’ve had it tough.

I don’t know how to let this go but I know I’ve had enough.

I’ve taken all I’m taking, all the rest I’ve left is yours.

There’s a message in the leaving, a hope for finding cures.

Dennis Mantin

A Kind and Generous Man

She said, “You’re the most kind and generous person I’ve ever met. “

I said, “Then why do you tell people that I’m abusive. “

Her answer was at the ready: “Your kindness and generosity prove that you’re abusive because nobody could be that kind.”

OW!

Dennis Mantin

Sad But True (2015)

There is a heart shaped carve in rosewood.
There’s a line drawn in the sand.
I pray there on grace and wonder,
and there’s a baby, she’s in my hand.

There’s a virtue called forgiveness.
From a force we can’t see.
It’s how I deal with darkness.
Of how I feel when you’re with me.

I struggle now to hear you.
Seek approval in your eyes.
I hate you for your beauty.
Like I love you for your lies.

It’s a sad sad situation
Department sad but true.
You fear that they are coming
And you fear what they will do.

It’s a sad sad situation
Under heading sad but true
You fear that they are coming
No one is coming for you.

Dennis Mantin

Shot Down (2005)

Another day, sundown.
Another night, sundown.
Orange to black, sundown.
Fades to midnight blue.
There’s nothing I can’t do.

And here comes the night
And I don’t know why
I hear your voice
And I lose my way.
Where are you now?
Can I touch you somehow?
You’re somewhere near sleep where images fade.
And here comes the sun.
Another night is done.
Here comes the sun.
And here I go again.

Saw the man, shot down.
Heard his voice, shot down . Eyes rolled white, shot down. Breathe goodbye that sound. Fades to midnight blue. There’s nothing I can do.

Another day shot down.
Another night shot down.
Orange to black.
Shot down.
Fades to midnight blue.
There’s nothing I can do.

DENNIS MANTIN

Beauty Delusions

The fever broke mid morning.

After dreams that weren’t so bad.

The toilet held some swets and shakes

But not the worst I ever had.

I think the worst is over.

Only blue skies lie ahead.

Bright smiles from only loving friends.

If I can just now get out of bed.

Dennis Mantin