Diane’s Inspiration Poetry Corner
Consider the Octopus
by Colette Volkema DeNooyer
Consider the Octopus
You assumed it was her head atop,
the way our heads are. Assumed, too,
because you’ve heard an octopus can solve
puzzles, do more tricks than even dogs can do,
that there was a great brain swelling that bulbous shape.
But no, the expert tells you. The octopus begins
with body, in which she harbors her three hearts
among other vital organs. The head, in fact,
is found farther down, a brain wrapped
around her throat and two oversized eyes
that protrude to either side above eight flailing arms.
And then it’s nothing but arms and suction cups
that touch and feel but also taste preferred prey
before drawing them into a mouth hidden in, well,
her armpit. Which is to say, you had it all wrong. Again.
So smug, so sure, you could tell by the way they looked –
or could tell, say, by the sound of their voice –
whether to smile or turn away. Leading again
with the head instead of the body, thinking,
thinking your way toward the other,
instead of opening a door in the only
heart you have, and reaching
with even one arm, one open hand
to touch – and taste.
- Colette Volkema DeNooyer