Mind Attack

A choking sensation wakes me at three a.m. and
my breathing shallows from a crushing weight as
I hear my son cry out in strained, partially muted terror.
Struggling to get up, my mind prepares me to fight or run.

My breathing shallows from a crushing weight as
palpitations cause sweat to boil from my flushed pores.
Struggling to get up, my mind prepares me to fight and
breaking free from fear’s paralysis, I run to my son’s room.

Palpitations cause sweat to boil from my flushed pores while
I attack the air between my son and me. Ready to protect him I
break free from fear’s paralysis and reach his bed yet
my heart has run away with my mind and I steady my breath so they will return to me.

I attack the air between my son and me. Beating away the nightmare with a quiet song,
I hear my son cry out again in strained, partially muted terror.
My heart has run away with my mind and I wait for them both to return to me, calm after
a choking sensation awoke me at three a.m.