Nightmares

Awakening at night to the sound of myself screaming.
A nightmare, the ever returning nightmare.
Afraid to close my eyes, fighting my sleep, lest it should return.
What gruesome horrors have invaded my dreams!
My heart beats rapidly, pounding in my chest.
Alone and frightened, I scream but no one hears.

The situation is so familiar. Deja vu.
I have been this way before, walked the walk, crossed this path.
How can I chase it away and keep it from invading my dreams?
My body needs rest. I am tired, scared, and frightened.
I want the nightmares to vanish, but they keep hunting me down.
I need sleep, blissful uninterrupted sleep.