Articles written by Alistair Marquise

What is Helium

About me - Alistair Marquise

I've always written, like most writers I suppose, as a way to express myself. However, there is more to it than simple expression. It's more than a way to get things out.

I want you to know me.

Yes, and seeing as how it's always been so hard for me to make

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Loneliness: 1 of 107
Can loneliness actually become a companion? It certainly has for me. In fact, loneliness has become such a constant presence that, much like two friends who spend a lot of time together, it has begun to anticipate my thoughts and actions, feel what I feel, and yes, even care for me. Listen. From a very young age I realized so... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Judging others by size: 1 of 98
While it is true that I have often been judged by my outward dimensions, (at six and a half feet tall I tend to stand out in a crowd) it is also true that I myself have made assumptions about other people based on their size and shape. I believe that some (read: very little) accurate judgments can be made based on clothing, ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization How to stop fearing death: 2 of 39
To fear death is to fear the unknown, for there is not one among us who knows what happens after our essential life functions are terminated. Do we ascend a golden staircase and take our place at the right hand of some deity? Is it as simple as lights out, with no great reward waiting for us? None of us can answer these qu... More..
Relationships & Family > Break-Ups & Exes Relationship reflections: Breaking up: 4 of 59
There is a circle on the surface of the dresser that is surrounded by dust, a clean shape outlined by neglect. There is a candle that belongs in that circle, a candle that always sat there, a wax, wick and flame representation of our nightly ritual. I hold the candle in my hand, wondering at whether or not I should light it,... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Suicide: 4 of 52
Here he was, exactly as he was expected to be, naked in a tub full of warm, red, water. The slashes on his wrists were performed neatly, as was his manner, in the fashion of someone who not only knew what they were doing but certain that they wanted to do it. His head was tilted in the direction of the window that looked... More..
Arts & Humanities > Comic Books & Graphic Novels The differences between Anime and Manga: 1 of 8
The differences between anime and manga are many and varied and reach well beyond the obvious contrasts between the two art forms. In this article I will explain the differences between the two, some of which are very plain and others which may be subtler. To properly explore these differences however, I will start with a b... More..
Health & Fitness > Depression What thoughts run through your mind when you are depressed?: 6 of 47
I've dealt with a low-level depression for almost as long as I can remember. While it is a persistent and constant factor in my life, it is not always apparent. That is to say, there is always some bit of it that exercises influence on my day-to-day activities, but I do not always feel its effects. It's more of a case where i... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Solitude: 5 of 37
I haunt this house like an amorphous representation of solitude, a shade without form. Delicately caressing bare walls I creep into empty rooms and settle into their dark, vacant corners. There used to be furniture and decorations and tools and toys that occupied these rooms, and certainly the dead space left behind by their... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Rain: 5 of 35
The rain drops bead up on the polish of my boots, maintaining their form for but a moment before faltering and sliding down the leather like tears. Some of the looser bricks, having had their foundations softened and washed away, grind out a lament as my footsteps upset their peaceful slumber. The rain has covered the stree... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Subcultures What happened with "being yourself"?: 7 of 46
The concept of being yourself was one that I've always had trouble with. It's not that I don't understand it, certainly I comprehend the idea of casting aside the perceptions and expectations of others and existing in a form that is true to the person who is living within it. It's just that myself is not the person I al... More..