A behemoth emerged from the depths
During a beach side doze one moonlit night.
Its black-red husk the size of a truck.
The eyes so dense they warped light that drew near.
Eight legs, like branches, ferried its frame,
As tiny arms carried fare to its mouth.
Fatty shears in front spoke of cruelty,
As the cold southbound wind moaned warily.
Its spear length whiskers poked and prodded.
The beast ever searching, always hungry,
And single minded in its resolve
To be the biggest. An unsung champion.
It moved like a tank, forwards and back.
Its feathered fans gyrated in segues.
An armoured fluke balanced the rear.
Hundreds of egg sacs hung from its belly.
Despite its supposed aloofness
It drew near, coyly grazing and stalking.
Overwhelmed with disgust, I took flight,
Each grain of sand mocking my mad scramble.
Erupting from the sea, it gave chase.
Though clumsy on land, the efficiency
Of the thing's many appendages
Was imminent as the shackles of time.
Its unhallowed shadow eclipsed mine
Like a billowing wraith beyond compelled.
It scooped me up with its crushing grip
And held me up to its ungodly stare.
Moments before death, there is no fear,
Only the crackling of hatchlings now freed,
Scurrying beneath their mother's feet.
It is joyous to feed so many mouths.