Octopus from Goldfinch by David Leonard Briggs

The walls of the harbour are under water,
The ocean's reclaiming its hold on this town,
But please never think it's hopeless.
Never think it's hopeless, even now.

For like the eight limbs of an octopus,
Hope might seem ridiculous, but it's true.

The cornfields and olive groves are burning,
The levees are breached, the power's gone.
But please never think I'm unhappy.
Never think I'm unhappy, here with you.

For like the nine brains of an octopus,
Joy might seem anomalous, but it's true.

I sometimes forget logs for the fire.
I should bring more water from the well.
But please never think I don't love you.
Never think I don't love you, because I do.

Like the tentacles of an octopus,
Sometimes I seem preposterous, but I'm true.

Like the camouflage of an octopus,
Don't lose sight of faith in us - we're still true.


Vox / Ashbury dobro rhythm and slide guitar / Hofner violin bass guitar / Kastner studio piano / Roland TD11 drumkit

• Folk
• Somerset
• country blues
• country folk
• poet
• singer-songwriter
• United Kingdom