Was it just a dream?

Arms outstretched

Trying to cover him

As I stare into the eyes of his father.

He sleeps

The nightmare shuddering through him.

I plead

beseeching his father

stop hurting your child.

He did all he could to help you.

He hurts from the guilt that he feels

from thinking he did not do enough already.

Leave him alone.

Let him heal.

Shouldn’t a father want what is best for his child?

Help him!

Please help him!

Tears run down my face

waking the sleeper up.

He asks why am I crying.

I look up

and his father’s ghost is gone.

I tell him I had a bad dream.