Single by Brendan Bonsack

the echocardiogram

does make a sound

but you can't hear it

in the deep sea

a hard shell will save you

except from the octopus

if you will not break

they will drill you a tiny hole

soften you with a poison

examine the shells you've found

along the shore: not every one

but any one will have such holes

have you ever lost to love?

an echo detects the change

your broken heart assumes the shape

of takotsubo:

the old ceramic traps

crafted and lowered by human hands

for catching octopus

no bait is required

no noose to tighten, they

just climb inside

believing their bodies

must be made for these curious places

suspended and utterly held

it is possible to live like this

with your bloated ventricle left wondering

could it be fatal?

For notes and lyrics, visit brendanbonsack.com/songs/takotsubo-syndrome


© Brendan Bonsack 2022