Homage

Smoking cigarettes on the roof like I'm 16 again-
I howl at the moon like a lone wolf
And bury the ashes under a loose tile,
Still operating in secret
Even though it's been ages since I lived
Under the oppressive shadow of a dictatorial man
I still cringe at the sound of heavy footsteps
Tuned in to all the noises of anger
And can picture my dog pinned against the side of
Her red dog house by her collar,
ingesting swift punches

I couldn't save her then
But on summer nights I pay homage
And mimic her sad cries,
Blowing angry smoke at an indifferent moon.