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