I couldn’t keep a straight face.
Oh the smiles had to fall.
That was such a tragic story.
How you suffered for us all.
You walked with Christ and Buddha.
Don’t know how you found the hours.
All those burdens you did overcome.
And still had time to smell the flowers.
I am basking in your glory.
If I dare to stand that tall.
Be careful with that next step.
And that Pride before the fall.
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
Fine food and Chardonnay.
Replacement exercise and hot role play.
Expanded waistline here to stay.
Relationships have gone away.
.
The air is cool now, almost no humidity. Anything seems possible. I am feeling light and free. The weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. The struggles are far from over. I just won’t be doing it alone.
I have reached out for help and help is coming in the form of beauty and grace… This is the version of the story I choose to believe, because in the end there has to be hope and love or really, what is it all for anyway?
They said “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
“Nonsense!” I replied.
I have mastered online banking.
For my next trick I will attempt to endure suffering without complaint.
She is dripping in her darkness now. Pushing words like death and pain and suffering.
“You have tangoed with the Devil to long.” Her words screamed from the page.
Then she added, “Find forgiveness for your mother.”
Obviously she is not reading this blog for forgiveness and love for mine was achieved long ago. I believe this is what the therapists refers to as projection. It is she who has not found forgiveness for her mother.
And as far as doing the tango with the Devil or anyone else, I’m afraid I just am not a dancer.
There is enough pain and madness to go around for everyone and this world just keeps on spinning.
Every morning on the train, I get a ticket that states the time and what day of the year it is… Day 84. March 25th, 2025. Time is flying now.
All my life people have argued with me. I am wrong, they say. Fuck it. I am past caring.
I stay silent. I am invisible now. Old.
I am not alone. There’s many of us old fuckers. We could form an army. However, none of us can agree on anything.
I watch the young switching genders like suits or dresses and know in 100 years this will just be a note at best in a text or a novel where the curious wonder how we could have let this happen and some old bastard will mumble: “education and white women and Socialism was the Genesis.” As he waves to masses from his car window,”flying.”
Dennis Mantin
Roses are Red
Life Isn’t Fair
The Big Head Speaks
And I Don’t Care.
Dennis Mantin 
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