When The Trouble Began

He was staring at me in that way that has a tendency to make one feel uncomfortable.

The streetcar was crowded in the way that 2 o’clock in the afternoon is, and there was nothing between us but the empty Isle.

“You have a problem, friend?” I asked quietly.

“I’m not your friend.” He snapped and stood pointing his finger at me… He was bigger than I figured. 6’2″, 200 pounds. “You want me to kick your ass?”

“Be careful what you wish for.” I answered and continued. ” I jump over guys like you to get to a fight.”

And that’s when the trouble began.

Dennis Mantin

Not Much Holy

I tried the changes slowly.

The way the old go out in rain.

All in vain with not much Holy.

In the end, seemed quite insane.

We will batten down the hatches.

And will keep the powder dry.

I’ll keep praying here for something there.

As we sail for bluer sky.

Dennis Mantin

N

Submission

I was shocked into submission.

A freak of nature, strange and cruel.

Such sensation and humiliation.

To give such props to such a fool.

These are moments almost glowing.

In my memory, a three act play.

Where I smile in the knowing.

And live to fight another day.

Dennis Mantin

The Quiet

It’s 7:30 on a Wednesday 2026 and not quite dark yet. I hear planes far off and dogs yapping closer.

I cannot get rested and when I go to bed, it takes hours to get to sleep. Waiting for warmer weather which is soon…

I try to stay quiet and listen. The youth have so much to say. I am not longing for anything now and the answers came.

I used to know so many no longer here. I wonder sometimes and then I forget and fade back to the Quiet…

Dennis Mantin

Troubadour

I am nothing if not present.

And it’s always been that score.

Even when I couldn’t see.

When my back was at the door.

I hear distant sounding music.

Played by someone who was on tour.

Someone who can be that wise.

To know how and why and more.

In those times, I need to listen.

To those who came before.

Sometimes, I just need to be.

In the draft of troubadour.

Dennis Mantin

Storm

I was tired when I woke up.

I guess now that’s just the norm.

I was up to something different.

When I found shelter from the storm.

Time is fleeting, not illusions.

On my face, you see the strain.

Where once were lines of laughter.

Are now harder to explain.

Dennis Mantin

Break It Down

They didn’t like the world.

Said they wanted change.

Said that I was busy.

But not too busy to arrange.

First, you take the language.

You turn it upside down.

When they get all silent.

You take the King and smash the crown.

Don’t you worry about the churches.

Cause you sent them all away .

Internets gone viral.

At that alter, you can pray.

All the brothers now are sisters.

And the sisters, they don’t lie.

And we are all so happy now.

Do not complain, or don’t you cry.

There’s a mystery and a memory.

And a past that seems so cold.

It’s a playground in the sunshine.

And the young they seem so old.

Dennis Mantin