God could be an octopus, for all I know

There are seven wonders
in the world and a place
in Australia called Surfer’s Paradise.

I like to imagine it is
actually heaven. I like to imagine
god swimming in the depths,

omnipotence on display
in the size of a whale, in the
strength and weightlessness

of a dolphin’s breech, in
the uncountable grains of sand
coating whatever lies beneath.

I imagine god standing
beneath Niagara Falls, holding up
the waterfall with their bare hands,

or traipsing gently through
the Redwoods, making declarations
I’m not sure exist, because no one

heard them. If god stays at the beach
for too long, does she burn?
Does she slip back into the water

for refreshment after a midday
drink; does he marvel at the coral?
Who’s to say which wonder

wears the skin of heaven best.
Land or sky or vapor or sea;
god could be an octopus, for all I know.

Grace Dellis has been writing poetry for over two decades. She has been featured in two previous issues of The Post Grad Journal, as well as ABC Radio National's podcast, Soul Search. She writes to bring light and levity to the ordinary moments of life. Grace lives in Australia with her husband and two children; you can connect with her on Instagram @gracedellis.