a subtle fish
by any estimation
in point of fact
no fish at all
a most unique creation
eight arms
ten feet
a decapod
a mollusc highly clever
as far from snails
as heads from tails
thus scientists endeavor
to understand
what constitutes
a cuttlefish's mind
while they
the cuttlefish appear
to contemplate our kind
as well
at least when some of us
engage them in their world
they may reach out
to taste us
with a cautious arm uncurled
but what the cuttlefish
has raised
to heights beyond believing
the art of changing
colors for display
or for achieving
a miracle of camouflage
or simply for the pleasure
we'll never really know
the mind or fully
take the measure
of this cousin
from a distant branch
of evolution's tree
it's been an age
or more since we two
parted company