Morning’s Echo

This morning, one of the toughest of the year,
Your early call, filled with cries and fear.
A nightmare’s grip, so familiar and cold,
Sent chills down my spine, a story retold.

I know your nightmares, how they haunt your night,
I longed to comfort you, to make things right.
Not just through the phone, but by your side,
Yet I stayed away, my heart in a tide.

Was it anger that kept me from your door?
No, that wasn’t it, of that I’m sure.
Was it heartlessness, a void in my chest?
No, for I wept, feeling unrest.

By day’s end, tears fell, a silent plea,
For not being there, for not setting you free.
In the echoes of morning, my heart did break,
Wishing I’d been there, for both our sake.