We arrived brave and bold, art and science at our backs -
A rigid grid of perception to transpose upon all we would see before us.

Expectation of the unexpected,
Of normality with new norms.

Alas, close or foreign, observing or feeling,
Pain is one and the same.

Navigating slow waters muddied by social pollution,
Our lanterns cast a feeble light through the detritus.

Then, as the stream presented the sea, black and thick as a Venus night,
A dart of colour transcended from the voluminous burden.

Do the waters behind represent those ahead,
Or should we portend this tiny creature an omen?