I Don’t Exist

My therapist told me that I don’t exist. Not in her eyes.

I am a safety valve! My purpose finally revealed. ..

When I was a child, I wondered what it would be like to be invisible and now I know.

He said, ” And if you’re a good man, you wouldn’t be much of a safety valve. It’s important that she demonize you. ”

Dennis Mantin

Darkness Fell

Darkness fell, it wasn’t mood, it was just the time of day.

Said, “Oh well” I should include, I slept the night away.

The sun did rise, same as before, I knew was just for me.

Closed my eyes and heard the roar of an angry distant sea.

I heard of tales, happened long ago, long before our time.

Of people who had lived and loved with hearts of faith and rhyme.

Dennis Mantin

In Defense of The Fool

The story goes that a tornado ripped apart a town leaving the townsfolk in total ruin.

A young boy looked at his mother upon returning to the shambles that once was their home and commented:

“Look Ma, ain’t it great! The winds stopped blowing. ”

Thus he was labeled ‘ The Fool. ‘

In his defense I would like to point out that his joy at being alive is perhaps buoyed by the sheer wisdom that if you are alive and well, he can always start again.

Dennis Mantin

One

I have one person who is mean to me.

I have one person who calls me names.

I have 1 person who tries to make me feel bad about myself and goes out of her way to try to manipulate me.

Not bad on a planet of billions!

However it’s amazing how this can negatively affect one’s spirit.

Dennis Mantin

The Bountiful Table

Has been many a moon, since I’ve taken a seat at anything but the Bountiful Table.

I remember the 5 days of not eating in the blush of youth when I was too proud to beg and too stupid to steal, as a long ago Myth that happened to someone else… but no, that was me.

I still have trouble asking for what I want. Still fear those rejections. Will give no voice to that lack of power.

I believe in the collective unconscious of my forefathers; guiding from a force of which there is no understanding, just gratitude.

I don’t fear not sitting at that table however I recognize the lack of joy elsewhere.

Dennis Mantin

The Night Chords

The truth struck a chord. The wine it was poured, and the pain with the fear walked away.

The night air was cool for the beauty and fool with their guests sang and danced all the way.

And Love conquers all, but when motors do stall, then who is it the fiddler does pay?

Lessons are learned to all those concerned and the fool lost his nerve; feet of clay.

There’s a moral you know and there’s choices that go and it depends if you listen or say.

The listener got bored and their faith was restored and the night once again turned to day.

Dennis Mantin

The Subtle Art of Bullshit

When I was Young I would share my horrible honesty.

For I never learned the subtle art of bullshit…

I see this now as a handicap of huge proportions.

Perhaps a mild form of asperger’s, no filters between thoughts and tongue and not a clue to just shut the fuck up.

Ah the memories! The entertainment and shame.

Dennis Mantin