They demanded he bring them gifts tied with bows
Except Beauty, his daughter, asked for only a rose.
Well the man had no luck, and on his way home
Arose the most frightening, terrible storm.

Frozen and hungry, he searched through the night
To find a warm shelter, 'til next morning's light.
Then suddenly before him, a dark castle stood
Hesitantly he entered, and helped himself to some food.

The next day dawned, and well-rested and fed
He started to leave, when he picked a rose-red.
ARRRGGGHHH! came from teh growl of a horrible Beast
"You repay me like this for your shelter and feast?!

You stole my rose, then you shall die!
Unless you have a good reason why."
In fear, he told Beast of Beauty's request
Of a single rose red, the kind she liked best.

And though the Beast spared hi s life, he demanded one thing
That his fair daughter, Beauty, the merchant must bring
Back to the castle to forever live
Only then would the Beast to the man his life give.

But to Beauty's surprise, the Beast was most kind
And ugly or not . . . she seemed not to mind.
In fact her allowed her to return to her home
To care for her father who was sick and alone.

"You may go", said the Beast, "but after one week"
I shall myself become ill, tired and weak."
Upon seeing his Beauty, the merchant grew stronger
But the poor Beast was pining because she stayed longer.

Then one night Beauty had a horrible dream
She saw the Beast dying and let out a scream.
She ran to the Beast and held him tight in her arms
She loved him for his kindness, goodness and charms.

She whispered "I love you" and to her surprise
The Beast became handsome before her eyes.
Learn well from this story, true love won't disguise
If you search with your heart, and not with your eyes.