‘Falling Angel’ and ‘Purity’

Two objects tumbling to the ground. Which will hit the concrete first? Which falls faster: my body from heaven or my heart for you?

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She told me the story behind her ring.

I can remember that it was given to her by a maternal relation, it might have been her grandmother, but I cannot say whom it was for certain. I can’t remember.

I do remember that it used to be a different colour. That the paua shell was set the wrong way, so the sheets run horizontally. That the top layer had chipped off to reveal the layer beneath it.

I think that’s what she’s done to me. Chipped away the first layer of myself and revealed what’s underneath. My soul feels raw and delicate. The salt that clings to her fingers stings with every touch, but I don’t mind.

Two holy bodies alone in the darkness. Carrying fractured memories and rotting stories. I knew we’d always be holy, but she knew we’d never stay pure.