Tentacle: what does it mean? To have, to hold. In nature’s grasp.
Seoul’s meaning: cunningly cute, so delicate, but firm and strong.
In Latin: tentaculum. To feel, to test, to examine.
Look inside. The jewelry is calling me. I want that one.
How to choose? Do we have to, with endless options before us?
Be chosen. Maybe that’s what we want. To be tested and selected.
Looking up, The Ocean called. Destiny led them to this shore.
Salty breeze. Peaceful and calm, sending them love. Nature grasped more.
It felt good. Tentacles squeezed, releasing slowly. She breathed in.
Deep exhale. She touched her throat. He untangled her energy.
And necklace. There is so much that we don’t see, below the sea.
He breathed in. It felt easy, the way it should. He stroked her wrist.
Sea creatures. Do they exist? Maybe they do, like mermaids, right?
Scorpions. Sea creatures, or land animals? I know they sting.
Out of fear. Of course, because no one wants to be trapped, don’t you agree?
She heard it. His breath, or the sound of the waves. Both were pleasing.
Octopus. Are you hungry? I am, and the coastline led them there.
It smelled good. How did you get here? Came with the tide, I guess. Yes.
Describe it: crunchy outside, silky inside. I’ll have that then.
Sounds like me. An inner zeal. Waiting for what? To be held firm.
Like my ring. Firm on my finger, she looked down. Blue tentacles.
You’ve seen one? I have; it squirms, trying to swim away quickly.
Sounds like me. An inner fear. Afraid of what? He felt the same.
She glistened. Like the blue ring, like the ocean. He was in love.
Tentacles: they come in pairs. In botany. And in our lives.
And maybe. In love, he thought. The ocean crashed, and he felt free.
Free to love. Looking at him, smiling softly. She knows it’s free.
This poem was written in the Korean sijo style of poetry as an homage to Tentacle Jewelry Studio in Seoul, South Korea. My visit to this beautiful country would not have been complete without my unique souvenirs, all designed by Hee Jin Park, from her jewelry studio in Bukchon Village. See more Tentacle pieces here: https://www.instagram.com/tentacle_._._jewelry/
Where to stay in Seoul: Conrad Seoul
What to eat in Seoul: My favorites
See the best art in Seoul: A short guide
Rejuvenate your soul in Seoul: A temple visit
