When you tell everyone to ‘Fuck Off’
Don’t be surprised when they Fuck Off.

When you tell everyone to ‘Fuck Off’
Don’t be surprised when they Fuck Off.

I’d been searching for the answers… When finally she came along.
Preforming miracles, curing cancers. Giving music to the song.
She taught and gave directions. Even when I didn’t ask.
She let me know my fortune. In her sunshine I could bask.
She showed me all my foibles. And how little I evolved.
I felt criminally unworthy, so I left her. Mystery solved.

The fool spoke the truth and was banished from the kingdom.
The road was long and winding with no clear direction home.
But how could there be a home without the fool?
Nature abhors a vacuum and another fool will always appear and speak out of turn.
Which of course does no good to the original fool except to offer a reminder to the others that his was not an isolated incident.
Being the original fool in this story, who has recovered from said banishment, I try to teach this Proverb above all others…
Even a fool who remains silent can appear wise.

Money is a bit like attention.
The only thing wrong with either of them is when you have too much or too little.

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 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.

Where you stumble, there’s the gold.
Life’s a circle in time that’s rolled.
They never told you, you never knew.
You closed your mind and that time flew.
There is a song that’s strong and true.
You learn the lessons that failure grew.
You play the music, you write the song.
You stay in right, you learn from wrong.

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
My biscuits take on butter and my coffee takes on cream.
I’m bored with modern culture, and here I hold the scream.
I am curious and embarrassed to wonder what is next.
Like all anticipation when I’m waiting for her text.
She loves me but I’m doubtful, I know she has a fear.
I’m thinking about dying and there’s nothing quite that clear.
In a world of hope and wonder, there is something almost sad.
Like narcissists self importance when only mirrors are the fad.

I couldn’t keep a straight face.
Oh the smiles had to fall.
That was such a tragic story.
How you suffered for us all.
You walked with Christ and Buddha.
Don’t know how you found the hours.
All those burdens you did overcome.
And still had time to smell the flowers.
I am basking in your glory.
If I dare to stand that tall.
Be careful with that next step.
And that Pride before the fall.

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
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