The Gift From the Sea

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Ann Peck.

I was moved by a beautiful documentary on Netflix titled something like, "What I Learned from an Octopus." It's about a deepsea diver's lengthy interaction with an octopus and how she responded to him. Truly amazing.

This is a story about a man who deepsea-dived to another land. Where forests of kelp grow so high they can almost glimpse the blue of the sky. Where darting fish play in a waterfall, the man followed a sea nymph's call. She was an octopus, he was a man, this meeting designed by a non-mortal hand. He followed her as she gathered her meals and when she hid from a predator's zeal. She knew he was there but would not interfere with her meanderings far and near. One day one tentacle touched his hand, and their differences fell away like the sand. Each day they swam, he not too near, but she always sensed his presence there. She became a creature of magnificent grace touching his hand, caressing his face. Finally, she lay her body upon his chest, her farewell gift for his earnestness. The next time he dived she had company: her mate, which he knew he could never be. He watched her give birth then, as prearranged, she must forfeit her life in sea's equal exchange. Weaker she grew as the days swam past until she became part of the sea at last. The pain was deep as he watched her leave. Their unearthly bonding he silently grieved. He knew sea creatures' lives can be swift; but grateful he was given this special gift. He learned a sea creature's ability to love a man who, one day, appeared from above. A beautiful saga about life and the sea and a man embraced by its majesty. Simply told, this story is true. A man, an octopus, and the love they knew.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Anne E Sangster - K

Date: 4/6/2021 8:04:00 PM

Oh I am so glad you wrote this. I too watched that on Netflix. Excellent tribute to this man and that sweet octopus. I too was immensely moved by that documentary. Beautifully written Ann :-)

Ann Peck
Date: 4/13/2021 7:54:00 AM

Thank you, Anne! I loved that documentary. My only problem: I kept trying to breathe for the man:))

Ken Rone

Date: 3/19/2021 11:19:00 AM

i come back to this poem so often, my memories of the Giant Pacific Octopi that grace Puget Sound. I have heard this story. Please enjoy your Friday Ann.

Ann Peck
Date: 3/20/2021 12:58:00 PM

Thanks, Ken. My husband's parents lived first on Camano Island and then Anacortes. We visited 4 times. They're gone now, as well as my husband. Beautiful, beautiful country. It has stayed in my heart.

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 3/10/2021 10:04:00 AM

Absolutely wonderful Ann, you told this true story so well through poetry, marvellous... Belle

Ann Peck
Date: 3/20/2021 1:00:00 PM

Thank you, Belle. I thought the story was so beautiful and amazing.

John Gondolf

Date: 2/3/2021 11:36:00 AM

You tell a beautiful story, Ann, I enjoyed this little fantasy...or perhaps it is about an impossible love that we have all know at one time or another in our lives. John

Ann Peck
Date: 2/7/2021 1:57:00 PM

thanks, John. Actually, I was inspired by a documentary on Netflix called What I Learned from an Octopus. The story is true and beautiful about man and octopus interacting.