The Mimic Octopus*

This octopus can mimic
as its body morphs like plastic:
it can flatten out, and trail its arms,
and swim like a banded sole;

it can make itself look striped,
then hide six legs and body
down a hole –
two arms left out in line
to wriggle like a venomous snake;

it may descend like a jellyfish,
with head puffed out and
legs/arms flowing in its wake;

or appear as a lionfish
with tentacles now imitating
its poisonous barbs;

sometimes impersonating stingrays,
anemones, or flounders, even crabs;

seems to know when to use each amazing disguise –
so how could such abilities arise?
not gradually bit by bit,
they must have been created quite complete
– useful kit!

*Thaumoctopus mimicus