"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 opened 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 closer, 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 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 20 minutes after remembering the night terrors that my oldest son had when he was little.