A Cry In The Night

A cry reaches me, through layers of sleep

Disturbing my slumber, dreams restless and deep

Again your cry pierces, reaching, taking my heart

Through layers, fast lifted, I awake with a start.

That cry, yet again reaches, and fills me with dread

My heart in my throat, I leap from my bed

Panic lends speed to my step, as I race to your room

Eyes open to darkness, trying to pierce through the gloom.

You wrap your arms tightly, 'round your own shaking form

Eyes open, yet unseeing, trying to ride out the storm.

Sobs through clenched teeth, in anguish you cry...

While I struggle to hold you, feeling part of myself die.

I try to hold you like there's no tomorrow

To take your pain, and soothe your sorrow...

To hold you up, to sun's warm, healing light

Gently soothing away your loneliness and fright.

Tears coursing down both our cheeks, streaming

Yours in fear, from what you are dreaming.

I gather you close, trying to hold you more tightly

My heart aching, I weep, for what you dream nightly.

I pray that one day, these demons are done

And the child that I love so, will have battled and won.

And know, that I reach him, down deep in his dream

That he is never alone, no matter how it might seem.

*(I wrote this in about twenty minutes after remembering the night terrors that my oldest son suffered from when he was a little boy.)