We were sinking in the quagmire.
The dreams of silence didn’t last.
There were rumors of a rescue.
But the rumors faded fast.
The Lawyer called a banker.
The banker called his Mom.
They haggled on deliverance.
And handed me the final sum.
I’ve been working at the car wash.
I no longer have the blues.
Got that monkey off my back.
And my baby has new shoes.
The taming of the species.
All set? Now let’s begin.
All those fears have claimed your mercies.
And reframe your losses as a win.
They are talking New World Order.
Reset with Omicron.
You will be happy and own nothing.
You can wear what you have on.
No more Kings or Queendoms.
Just the smell of filthy rich.
There will be the talk of freedoms.
Just before they flip the switch.
You remember what the old ones said.
All your smiles and smug disdain.
What to do with such a warning?
With all this singing in the rain.
She was wise, but wasn’t happy.
I think she knew too much.
All that knowledge made her sappy.
Alone and sad and such.
She was searching for the common.
Someone plain and twice as thick.
I slid down from the tree tops.
But my sight just made her sick.
So I went back to the jungle.
God knows I really tried.
Left her reading at the library.
Laughed so hard, I almost cried.
The sun was brightly shining.
There was stardust in the air.
The Angel’s were all humming.
Broke a silence that was rare.
The whiners stopped complaining.
Twas still early, they were asleep.
Except for one Prince Charming.
And the Maiden in his keep.
You could see them at their window.
They looked down, but not for long.
The Maiden was far from satisfied.
The beat and rhythm were all wrong.
It was over before it started.
Prince Charming slept past noon.
The Angel’s went where Angel’s go.
No one’s expected back to soon.
Dennis Mantin
I got it all. Everything I wanted. Those words stuck in my head.
Standing tall. Everything I wanted. Remind me what I said?
I saw you. Everything I wanted. Can I have you too?
I forget sometimes. Everything I wanted. Sure is one strange brew.
I got it all. Everything I wanted. Sometimes dreams come true.
I got it all. Everything I wanted. I was young and had that too.
The rose’s came in bunches…
The love was soft and kind.
The baby grew and said some words;
And then she spoke her mind.
Not everyone is happy.
And some are quite insane.
But it’s when the roses are in bloom.
That we tolerate the pain.
I’d been searching for the answers… When finally she came along.
Preforming miracles, curing cancers. Giving music to the song.
She taught and gave directions. Even when I didn’t ask.
She let me know my fortune. In her sunshine I could bask.
She showed me all my foibles. And how little I evolved.
I felt criminally unworthy, so I left her. Mystery solved.
NEW BOOK RELEASE!
Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
ACCOLADES
Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
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
The difference between A.A. and all the other self help groups is…
The self help groups suggest that you work on your character defects in order to help you quit drinking.
A.A. suggests you quit drinking to find out what your character defects are.
Dennis Mantin 
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