Nigeria, Dec. 19 -- I wonder if the octopus ever gets confused,

down there in its coral apartment,

when one arm is busy prying open a clam,

another is tasting the water for tiger sharks,

and a third is rearranging the pebbles outside its den,

just for a better view.

It must be like trying to read eight books at once,

or carry on a conversation in eight languages

while simultaneously knitting a sweater.

Scientists say each arm has its own mind,

a mini-brain that knows how to taste,

touch & decide on its own

whether to hold on, or let go.

The central brain,

the one behind the eyes,

just whispers the general objective:

"Find food. Hide. Don't die."

The how is up to the committee of arms.

And isn't that a better way to think...