Abundant and Clear

Having thoughts lots about dying.

And other things that I don’t know.

Its not the fear that’s got me down.

Just that I don’t want to go.

Now sure I know I have no choice.

Has been made abundant and clear.

This transformation is all the rage.

I just kinda like it here.

I hear all this complaining.

What’s wrong about this and that.

You never really stood a chance.

With an attitude like that.

Dennis Mantin

The Shopping Mall Generation

When I was a kid in the 1960s, the farmers could be heard lamenting about a changing world that they feared.

Beautiful stone cobbled streets of small towns were replaced with “The Shopping Mall Generation!” AND cities grew. “Who would grow the food?” The farmers asked.

But did anyone see this coming down the pike? A generation so smart that they make money while they sleep?

A generation who became so important that not having children became for them, the best option. Which is probably the best thing since we can no longer determine genders…

I am not afraid. I am not in control. I am embarrassed… or am I entertained?

Dennis Mantin

Dream # 1482

She had a look all business, that some mistook for cold.

I charmed my way into the dark, a sort of drama did unfold.

She said I lacked commitment. That she would change me from within.

She showed me all her prowess. How and where I could begin.

I was looking for an exit, a strange light outside appeared.

I made my way I don’t know how, like the seas a path was cleared.

This story has no moral except somewhere else I did arrive.

Unless she’s here and in my dreams, then I made it out alive.

Dennis Mantin

The Little Things

I say, “I don’t care bout the little things.” But mostly, it’s what I do.

I try hard not to say too much. Because really, none of it is true.

Damaged from pain, hard living. Really just rotten to the core.

If I cared about the little things. Then you’d be knocking at my door.

There’s no hope, no silver linings. There’s no possibility for truths.

I was taught by all those scallywags. Changing costumes in phonebooths.

There are lessons in the darkness. There are rules no one adheres.

We don’t care about the little things. We smile brightly, don’t talk of fears.

Dennis Mantin

Ultracrepidarian

I was definitely an ultracrepidariam during my formative years, often expressing opinions and insights on subjects that I knew nothing about.

This was before the internet and social media. Now, after getting acquainted with the views of a wide range of individuals on the world wide web… I’m beginning to think that mine was very normal behavior or I was just ahead of the curve!

Dennis Mantin

How We Roll

The Expectations were on fire.

Virtues had grown thin.

Love was hanging… worn wire.

There was this need to win.

The penalties were not known.

The lines drawn in the sand.

Emotions were hot and blown.

And nothing much seemed planned.

You took the gold and money.

I have this heart and soul.

I’m not laughing, but you are funny.

I have the kid: that’s how we roll.

Dennis Mantin

Saunter

I took a saunter through those mountains. Up yonder past those hills. Not so much like your word hiking. Exploring working, have had my fill.

I am old now in my saunters. Take it in and fill my eyes. I will saunter to the holy land. In my search for old and wise.

Dennis Mantin

I Don’t Believe in Love (You Move Me)

I see something sinking here.

Drifting… gone away.

Sinking to that bottom there.

No more light of  day…

Lately, I’ve been drinking here.

I’ve had so much to say.

There’s been all this thinking there.

I have to turn to look away.

It’s just these dreams. That I’m thinking of.

Oh, it’s not what it seems. I don’t believe in love.

Standing here at skies edge there.

With nothing but today.

Walking there on that ledge here.

Don’t you look the other way!!

Some days I just get things right here.

When I hear the  song you play.

Moves me to where I can see you there.

And not look the other way.

You move me… You do.

You move me, you do.

Its just those dreams, that I’m thinking of.

Oh, it’s not what it seems. I don’t believe in love.

Dennis Mantin