Nightmare

awaken with a jolt as the world comes crashing down
i run from the comfort and safety of my sheltered soul
running fast… faster… faster yet…
running from the threat to my quiet complacency
the corner turns and i stop up short,
confronted face to face by my demons.

whirling, thrashing, fighting just to break free –
biting, scratching, hoping to find a soft spot –
praying, pleading, down on my knees
for the madness to fully retreat
wishing for a coherent thought that will
help me escape from this oddity.

a gentle shake, a soft caress, a feather of a whisper –
these seem out of place in this cruel house of horror;
i tremble, fearing the next touch to be pain.
yet, the next touch is soft, compassionate –
a voice pulling me from the depths –
out of the blinding nightmare that’s captured me.