beauty and the beast

i have never really seen any episode of this series, and yet i have loved the idea and the plot.

the following is the opening credits narration from the series:

Vincent: This is where the wealthy and the powerful rule. It is her world... a world apart from mine. Her name... is Catherine. From the moment I saw her, she captured my heart with her beauty, her warmth, and her courage. I knew then, as I know now, she would change my life... forever.

Catherine Chandler: He comes from a secret place, far below the city streets, hiding his face from strangers, safe from hate and harm. He brought me there to save my life... and now, wherever I go, he is with me, in spirit. For we have a bond stronger than friendship or love. And although we cannot be together, we will never, ever be apart.


this quote really strikes me, specially that last part. i was once in a relationship that somehow correlates to this idea. although it did not last, it was true and sincere. and although we cannot be together, he will forever be in my prayers.

on a lighter note, the theme song of the series reminds me not only of this sad past but also of former crush. he lent me a cassette tape with the song, which was recorded like 6 times on one side. on the other side was another song (i forgot the title) recorded the same number of times. i never got tired of the two songs. i played the tape over and again (do the math on that one!). but, i specially liked the excerpts from "somewhere i have never travelled" by e.e. cummings narrated in the song.


the first time i loved forever
lyrics by melanie safka
melody by lee holdridge

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience, your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

the first time i loved forever
was when you whispered my name
and i knew at once you loved me
for the me of who i am

the first time i loved forever
i cast all else aside
and i bid my heart to follow
be there no more need to hide

and if wishes and dreams are merely for children
and if love's a tale for fools
i'll live the dream with you

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

for all my life and forever
there's a truth i'll always know
when my world divides and shatters
your love is where i'll go

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands


now, i'm trying to get a hold of a copy of the series. there are 3 seasons in all, but i was only able to get up to episode 13 of season 2. haven't started watching but i know it will be super bitin! *sigh!*