Sounds of My Mother

My ears bled at the never-asked-for,

personal wake-up song from my mom.

My stomach lurched at the pseudo-happiness,

from my mother's Christian radio station,

My teeth clenched at the sound,

from my mother's clicking jaw as she ate.

My body flinched,

from slamming doors.

My heart raced,

From exasperated kitchen phone calls,

A sound that traveled up the stairs,

And straight to my stinging chest.