Barking At The Stars

A three part poem dedicated to my mother.

PART 1

Barking at the stars
So he called you a b***h
That doesn't mean you have to act like one

Barking at the stars
Screaming at the sky
Praying to God with a tear in your eye

Mother you're barking at the stars
Trying to heal your scars
You're approaching this backward
That's why it's so hard
Mom, I think you need to relax

Barking at the stars
With a broken brain, or so you say
Wondering why you can't think straight

Barking at the stars
Screaming daily at dad
Don't you see how this makes me so sad

Mother you're barking at the stars
You're engaging in spars
That other people didn't even initiate
Before you scream you must think and wait
Mom I think you need to relax

Barking at the stars
Begging for mercy
But no one's been holding it against you

Barking at the stars
I know you're hurting inside
So why am I the one who feels like she's died

Mother, you're barking at the stars again
Please try to anticipate what's around the bend
You're always pissed
But I think you've missed
The point, Mom, it's time to relax

"I'm a dog barking at the stars, okay?!"
You've said it again
So if you know then why don't you change it

Barking at the stars
I guess I'm talking to the air
Doesn't seem to matter how much I care

PART 2

Mother, you're barking at the stars
Fighting an ended war
Trust me everyone still loves you

You might be blind
By the light in your eyes
From the stars shining above you

When you're barking at the stars
Or screaming in cars
There's a void you're trying to fill

Stop seeking answers
From around you and others
You need to look within yourself

Mother I know you
From the day I was born
You've been barking at the stars
But now you're growing horns

Relax a little
Things will pass if you let them
Wait a moment and let your anger subside

Take a deep breath
Remember this mantra:
"I can stay cool in this moment and put my anger aside"

PART 3

You can do this I know it
Believe in yourself as I do

Breathe deep, strip your mind of anger
Put it away in the back on a hanger
Revisit what you must
But mom, I'm asking now for your trust
You say you've been listening
Please put it in action
With my wet cheeks glistening
Put to good use your angry passion