The Memories Reappear (sonnet)

A trigger, the memories reappear,
As clear as if I were still there that night.
Awash in the horror, terror, and fright,
I'm held tightly in the choke hold of fear.
I hear the pitter patter down the hall
Of little feet, and hear a tiny voice.
I cannot answer, cannot speak at all;
It's then I wish I had some other choice.
"Where ARE you, Mom? What are you hiding for?"
I wish that I could run and hold him close,
And save him from this scene he's seen before,
This evil that I've come to dread the most.
There's nothing I can do, I cannot speak.
Oh how on earth could I have been so weak?