You may have noticed I am a little octopus-obsessed of late, having been lucky enough to see them in the sea for the first time this summer and autumn – and, of course, having seen one I have managed to see many on my snorkelling trips. I’ve also been happy to manage to get some interesting videos.
Last week I was surprised to find one sitting on the bottom step of one of my favourite snorkelling spots. Very surprised in fact – because usually I sit on this very step to put my flippers on and off, but this day I snorkelled all the way to the stairs, and thus spotted my new friend sitting right where I usually do. And of course instead of climbing out I stopped and watched (and filmed). Here’s what I saw:
The stair octopus is a close neighbour of the cannon octopus I have shared previously – but, if you missed that video, here it is again. (Sorry. I can’t help resharing this – it still takes my breath way!):
I have been trying to write a poem that captures the beauty and awe of this creature, and am not yet quite satisfied with my efforts, nor ready to share them. But here’s a little tribute that I’ve come up with in the meantime:
My Occy Friend
The cephalopod
is rather odd
and some folk think she’s freaky
She can lurk in caves
or under rocks
in ways that may seem sneaky
But me I think
she’s clever
in the way she fits and squeezes
then shows an eye
or tentacle
or erupts whenever she pleases
To shoot herself
like an arrow
to catch herself some lunch
and just as quick
return herself
to her spot for a quiet munch.
She likes to change
her colour
to match wherever she goes
and can sucker herself
or climb
and cling.
How this works only she knows.
So I’m not scared
of occy
And I hope she’s not scared of me
I can float
and watch for hours
when I spot her in the sea.
(Sally Murphy, 2021)
Tabatha is hosting Poetry Friday today. Float over there and gaze on the other poetry treasures on offer this week. 
Sally, I guess I fell asleep while writing a response to your post. I love the octopus video but most of all I love how you are so excited about your undersea adventures. I will watch your videos because I have never had the nerve to do what you do. Your poem is delightful.
Love the video. It is fascinating. Your poem was delightful, Sally.
What a sweet new friend you made, Sally. Very shy, I think. You are a brave soul, paddling around in the deep. Love living vicariously through you and your Go Pro adventures. Thank you!
You are welcome Christie. Thanks for coming along for the journey 🙂
I’m glad you posted both videos & managed a kind of ode to that wonderful creature, Sally. I love that you’ve managed to spot them twice! “I can float/and watch for hours/when I spot her in the sea”! Wishing I could, too!
Thank you Linda. Maybe one day you will come to Australia and float with me 🙂
Fascinating! Both the octopi and that “cloud” of fish at the top of the image in the second video. LOVE your poem!
Oh that fish cloud was mesmerising. I ended up floating in it for aaaages. But that’s another story 🙂
Fascinating. What a fun little study you have going on these days. I really enjoyed the second stanza that speaks to her cleverness. The way she squeezes in places and sometimes just erupts! Yikes! That would wake you up.
Thank you Cathy. It’s amazing to see – though I am sure I would jump if she was aiming straight at me!
Any poem that rhymes cephalopod and rather odd is A-OK in my book!
🙂 Thanks Buffy. I was quite pleased with that rhyme myself 🙂
Great videos Sally. They have informed your poem. Inspiration comes in many ways. Your ‘Occy Friend poem possesses a gentle rhythm to it. Fascinating creatures…
Thank you Alan 🙂
I love this post and you have opened my eyes to these creatures! Your poem really captures the movement and play of Occy. ( I may have commented twice. I’m had a computer glitch.)
Two comments is fine Janice – makes me feel extra loved 🙂
What a fabulous video and poem. You really captured her in your playful words. I love this post. You are so fortunate to be able to live where you do!
Thank you Janice. I know I am very fortunate indeed!
I think she’s clever too! Thanks for sharing this charmer with us. We really can’t get too much occy.
Thank you Tabatha – and thanks again for hosting this week.
So amazing!
Thanks for visiting Ruth
I love this! And I really like octopi as well. What great footage to go along with it!
Thank you Tanita.
WOW! I think you have the beginnings of.a wonderful “family tree” of octopuses. Stair octopus, cannon octopus (super crazy amazing catch on video) and? You’ll just have to keep snorkeling to find them all. What fun your tribute is. They are clever creatures and I would join you in watching for hours!
Thanks Linda. I think the way they cling and fit into anything means I will keep spotting them in odd places, especially now I am learning how to look for them. Snorkelling season is slowing down here, with the weather changing, but I’ll be taking any opportunity I can.