When worlds collide
   what do you hear?
Stone against horn,
   rhythmically clattering
      under half-a-ton of speed and pressure?
The fluid burble
   of flowing water?
Something sharp and solid
   scraping through soil?

When worlds collide
   what do you see?
Lynx-eyed, eagle-eyed,
   does your vision catch it
      miles before the fact?
Does it come to you
   in greys and greys and greys
      or extravagant polychrome rainbows?
Or do you even bother to look at all?

When worlds collide
   what do you smell?
The bitter tang of fear?
The saliva-driving scent
   of your next meal?
That ‘new home’ aroma
   which makes good neighbors
      because it isn’t yours?
The decaying aura of history?

When worlds collide
   what do you do?
Do you listen as Something draws near?
Do you look out into the darkness
   in hope or fear or curiosity?
Do your nostrils widen
   trying to catch a whiff
      of the future?
Do you wonder?