maybe a force of nature

Diamonds in the Deep Dark Sea
Covered in scales that sparkle
With shining claws
And eyes that glow like lamps in the mines
A glimpse of her and all flee
Into caverns and caves so dark
Escaping her jaws
That gnash and foam and bristle with toothy spines
Her home is in a watery cave
With stillness all around it in the murk
And mud that lies far down beneath the light
Covered in slime
No hand on ship or boat is brave
Enough to challenge her right to lurk
Below the waves, hiding from the sun so bright
Passing time
Until some unlucky soul jumps or falls
Into the emerald green of waters deep
And dark and cold
And then she feeds
Quick and rough, ignoring hapless, pleading calls
For help and aid.  Then off to sleep
And dream of seasons past and bold
When all her needs
Were simpler and joyfully met
On altars placed beside the shore
By fearful but respectful folk
Who begged her favor
From a goddess or a demon who would set
Currents, fish, good weather and more
All bounty to those who kindly spoke
And tossed out sacrifices full of flavor