The Beast

by Betsy

The Beast is in disguise. 

You will not know him when he first turns his smile your way.

His face is sweet—his smile, engaging.

He draws you in with his façade of beauty and kindness.

He chooses his victims carefully and never chooses badly.

You must be sweet and kind; naïve and trusting.

You must be damaged and needy; lonely and frightened...

And yet still believe in the inherent goodness of humanity.

Show him your generosity, your compassion and empathy

And he has you.  He will take what he wants all the while saying he loves you.

He is a magician with skills beyond Houdini’s…his slight of hand, perfection.

He casts his spell over you making you do things you’d never dreamed you’d do.

His love is a smoke screen…it is not real.

And when he has gotten what he wants he’ll twist you up in a thousand knots

Until you’re in so much pain you have no choice but to find a place to hide

And lick your wounds.

He has taken it all:  your heart, your soul, your belief in everything--

And left you empty except for the shame.

Then the beast moves on to find his new victim

And smiles.

November 28, 2007

Originally published here.