all we know about psyche is that she is beautiful. we learn this has nothing to do with what she is capable of.

“but love will make you do crazy things,” says everyone, ever.

CUPID: [scratches self with own arrow, falls in love with psyche at first sight]

not only is love crazy, but accidental and stupid.

PSYCHE: [tricks cupid into showing his face, and in her state, stunned by his beauty and devotion, burns him with hot wax]CUPID: [cries, leaves]PSYCHE: [spirals into deep ascetic despair]

it’s hard to believe there is more to the story.

dear psyche,

the first step, healing, is through. now i am left with the huge distracting scar. i am trying to get used to seeing it on my body. i am trying to accept it as part of myself. i will have to keep telling the story, revisions made each time i tell someone new. i forgive you every time. this scar proves to me who i have been, where my body has been, how to treat a wound. one day i will love it for what it has taught me. over time it will fade. right now i am just getting past the distraction. i don’t want to think about it, but i am reminded, and i do. i didn’t want to think about you, but i was reminded, and i did.

love, cupid

psyche + cupidolivia no 2015 ©

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