I have that thing going on…

That feeling where I can find whatever excuse I need to fail.

It has a need… This Thing.

A need to live and breathe and thrive!

What the therapist’s refers to as… Intergenerational Transmission of Family Dysfunction.

Awareness is the key I’ve been told and I am seeped in Awareness NOW.

I will break this chain for me and mine.

I said I would love you forever.

I was young and terribly shy.

Gave you credit for being clever.

Didn’t know how to say goodbye.

Was over before it started.

It’s just the way it was.

Don’t need to be so broken hearted.

Sometimes it’s just because.

I didn’t really know about love

Just kinda thought I did.

Only when push comes to shove.

Fight or flight? I ran and hid.

It has been said that WHY is a child’s question…

There can be some truth to this I guess however lately I’ve been wondering about something and I am far from the young inquisitive mind…

WHY are so many of us so interested in not embracing this experience of this life and humanity on this planet earth as being unique in the universe?

A beautiful stranger smiled at me and I immediately got suspicious…

I looked over my shoulder to see who else it could be that she was looking at while simultaneously checking with my right hand to see if my wallet were still in place.

I walked away not daring to look back… the moment was gone and at the very least; one of us was exposed.

Dennis Mantin

Twelve months until Christmas were beginning to shop.

The candles are burning at both ends and can’t stop.

It’s charging to Amazon no need to leave home.

The virus still spreading, we’re safe in our dome.

The weather’s so cold at the start of this year.

The delivery van froze up bringing whiskey and beer.

It’s delusions and rumors and my mind playing tricks.

I think it’s time we give thanks to that service Netflix.

I saw a painting of lovers and I had to look away.

Not for fear of wanting or I something I might say.

It’s just I don’t believe it and I know that that’s not good.

Believed it when I was younger the little I understood.

It’s just I’ve never seen anything that could last.

I have heard some stories about myths from an ancient past.

It’s quiet at the beginning but beneath there’s a stir.

The tongues will soon be wagging like my dog that is a cur.

There’ll be growling, and some barking, a posture meant as mean.

Some stare downs, some avoidance and all glances in between.

But for now all is quiet, so enjoy it while you can.

I’m almost out of bed my friend and I’m working on a plan.

I left you in the rearview, not long, awhile back.

You stood in the doorway saying… something, talking smack.

I never learned to love you, now I know I said I did.

I just learned to love myself and that embarrassment… yes I hid.

Sometimes we just grow up fast, then we listen to our heart.

Or sometimes we grow tired of all that being ripped apart.

Somewhere in that distance I hear an old song play.

There’s still time to change your path, I smile when they say.

There’s a bustle in your hedgegrove, not sure now what they meant?

The pipers calling someone but the gold has all been spent.

Words can have two meanings and sometimes there’s a toll.

The piper found the stairway, taken back everything that you stole.

The worry is not over, but we’ve weathered the storm.

The bears are all sleeping and the porridge is still warm.

The winds are all settled, the airs quiet and still.

Alice is still looking for the cure from a pill.

The journey continues without cares or a map.

It’s a cold bitter feeling, feet beginning to tap.

It’s only serenity that’s wrapping me now.

The delusions of power have left me somehow.

I’ve taken a step putting one foot out front.

Didn’t call any names, didn’t call her a … just punt.

Looked good from a distance, your smile was bright.

I lived in the shadows and I waited all night.

You danced to the music, it wasn’t for me.

I lived in that moment, was all I could see.

I see you years later and the dancing looks done.

The mood seems all angry and not as much fun.

I guess I was patient but it felt more like  fear.

Those things that were far, all now seem so near.

Those things that I hold in my mind from the past.

The things that were first, now they seem last.

You live and you learn if you’re lucky I guess.

And it appears if you don’t, then you just fake success.