There

As I walk silently at night, listening to the hum of the moonbeams upon the water, he is there

As I creep through the underbrush, searching for the small oasis of shade and silence, he is there

As I turn my face to the unforgiving sun, letting its rays wash carelessly over my skin, he is there.

As I lay awake at night, listening as the waves crash against the shore and the creatures prowl through the night, he is there.

As I set my bare feet against the blistering sand, pacing along the beach in search of any source of hope, of freedom, he is there.

But as I slowly clear the fog of my mind, set there by the delusions of dehydration, he is gone.

As I pull my body along into the shade, leaning against the tree trunk, panting desperatley, he is gone.

As I slowly close my eyes, he is gone.

And alas, as I draw my final breath, he is gone.