And then night falls

I've come so far,
seeking the living waters,
only to find the way
hopelessly blocked.
Stumbling through the dry bones
of wasted effort
and broken promises,
I am too tired even to give myself
permission to stop.
Bruised and broken,
I struggle through the brush
until I fall, blocked on every side.
I can smell the salt water,
hear the waves,
feel the breath of fog upon my cheek --
but still I cannot see --
and then night falls.