Cold Sweat

I jolt awake in a cold sweat,
My throat burns dry,
And my heart pounding,
From a single strangled cry.

I grasp the pillow,
And release my breath,
A lump lodged in my throat,
I nearly scare myself to death.

My shaking hands support
my ringing, swirling head,
As just for a moment I had dreamed,
That you were here, with me, in bed.