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.

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

“I used to get angry at people who were selfish, self-centered, and self-serving. Now, because of the gifts of technology and the internet, humanity has been exposed as selfish, self-centered, and self-serving… I now realize how misplaced and naive and immature my anger really was. I now spend a great deal of time alone and reading and writing. This is where the true selfish self-centered self-serving is.”

I am pushing through this brilliant prose, awaiting the bus, when the school breaks for lunch and an old woman with a cane sits beside me on the bench and mutters:

“Here come the monsters…”

I look up to see dozens of teenagers noisily talking about the events of the morning. There’s still 10 minutes until my bus arrives. I move inside the station and continue reading away from the complaints of the old woman.

Grey and cool November

Staring sleeping, feeling bold.

All the right words are worlds of gratitude.

Complaining at the alter of intern cold…

We all search for something.

Except for the frigid and the kind.

And me, I’ve gone all quiet.

Except for No! And ” Never mind!”

The kid is now 14.

I have been married for 1 year.

Large events in a small, quiet life…

Steady as she goes!

I am pleased to announce that the filming for the upcoming short film entitled…… Rule # 2 is happening the week between Christmas and New Years 2025.

Starring: Peter Outerbridge

Director: Chris Dymond

D.P.: Walter Pacifico

Written and Produced: Dennis Mantin