Paralyzed

I awaken.

I am aware that I am in my own bed. I am aware that it is daytime. I am aware of the life around me. I can hear it.

It's time to get up.

I try to open my eyes. I can't.

I tell my body to move. It doesn't obey.

Suddenly, I realize I can't breathe. I'm suffocating.

I'm paralyzed.

I try, once again, to stand up. Maybe if I can get to someone, they can help me breathe.

I fail.

I attempt to cry out through my closed lips, but I can't make a sound.

I'm paralyzed.

I continue to struggle against imaginary bonds. I strain my eyelids, my fists, my vocal chords, my jaw.

But I'm paralyzed.

Just when I feel that it's over, I'm ready to give up the struggle, I feel a jolt throughout my entire body, and my eyelids burst open. Air rushes into my lungs and I watch as my chest expands with the breath.




Was it simply a dream?