Was early on a Wednesday.
Banks and trains arrived on time.
I was down to my last million.
But I couldn’t find a dime.
Strangers glared at me in silence.
But you know that’s nothing new.
I was traveling to the government.
And prepared for news gone blue.
There’s no planning for disaster.
That might occur if I leave home.
The masses have lost their laughter.
And I hang my head and write a poem.
The tribes have all gathered.
At the license handout store.
We were in for written testing.
Failed bribes screamed at the door.
Stacey had passed reception.
Xi Lee was feeling blessed.
I had found what I came to get.
My final AZ written test.
I see them on the roadways.
Makes me want to go back home.
Or at least get off the freeways.
Where never more to dare to roam.
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
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 the 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.
Have I gone too far? Maybe, not far enough. Am I too critical of the human condition? Should I remove all restrictions and say how I really feel?
Severely critical? Are you seriously considering such a definition in this age of sensitivity?
Questions deserve answers until they don’t.
Is it sometimes better to just keep things to yourself? Rarely.
Definitely.
I was breathing in contentment.
Spirits hovered in the mist.
Like a heavy fog just fades away.
In bright light, something missed.
Gall heaped high at breakfast.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
Contentment left with harmony.
I can hear dark thunders roar.
The opportunity to know certain people who are a pleasure to be with doesn’t happen often, and when it happens, it is beyond the beyonds. However, it does happen, and when it does…
We must learn to say goodbye.
Perhaps without all those tears and blubbering!
Just concentrate on what a pleasure it was and is to be in the presence of THIS!
Sipping tea on a Saturday.
All day, morning, afternoon.
At midnight, I’m a senior.
This growing old has come so soon.
I thought I’d die much younger.
I was wrong, guess I am blessed.
Don’t know why time does fly.
I’m so guilty. There; I’ve confessed.
Everyone is cheating.
Except for you and me…
Options here? Slim and none.
Really, none that I can see.
The dreamers left the highlands.
Rumors are they’re coming back.
To the hope of honest smiles.
Where good story fades to black.
I was lost last night in forests.
Traveled far and deep with you.
There was peace and not much cheating.
Then I woke. That’s what I do.
Dennis Mantin 
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