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Articles by Rena Aliston
The Graveyard
Rubbing razor against flesh I’d bleed for you Dig deeper into my soul Carving the pain of my life The dead tremble in fear Blood trickles upon a rose Tears fall upon a feather Emotions seep through my pores Darkness covers me The graveyard of my soul This poem is available in the book Unspeakable Truths, Volume 1: Damnation Begins, released in 2007. Nefarious Tales is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Creative Artistic Tuesday- 2 July 2024
Everyone is not an artist nor is everyone creative. Yet, whether we accept it or not, daily life is filled with creativity and artistry, from the way you make your toast, to the way you wear your clothes, to the way you tie your hair, to the way you use the camera on your phone to send emojis. You are human and you were born with an artistic and creative streak. A few amazing writers to read on Substack.
The Return
By Rena Aliston Drabble | Fantasy I failed to close the portal Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash I came back again. I thought I succeeded but failed to close the portal. I staggered into the living room and collapsed on the couch. My father's medallion rested on the table where I left it. My eyes drifted to the clock as the hand crept toward a new hour. There was still time. I hurried to the basement, removed...
Sword of the Samurai Newsletter- 29 June 2024
Akuma no Ran - Rebellion in the Age of the Demon: Chapter 1: Death of the Last Hero It had long been customary for the village near the end of Autumn to parade the goddess’ portable-shrine with the head-priest (Kannushi) riding ahead as her herald. This had been the custom for nigh on a century since the time of the legendary Takimoto no Yoshinobu, the valiant hero who had rescued the northern marches from collapse.
Birds
By Rena Aliston Fiction | Drabble Photo by The HS on Unsplash My body collapsed in the forest as the burning sun stung my flesh. I licked my blistered lips, staring at the sky, begging death to swallow me. My eyes shut as a strong gust of wind swept through the tree branches. "Follow the birds," a voice shouted.
Stained
I scrubbed harder but couldn’t erase the memories flooding back to me. Our walks in the park. Your attempt at trying to outdo me at Skee-Ball. There were other memories as well. Like the time you yelled at me for speaking to an old friend you didn’t care for. Or when you broke my glasses because you thought I was checking out another man.
Time Whispers Secrets
Fiction | Drabble Your echo remained Just now We once had icicle passion. Our hearts heard Winter’s voice breaking through the burning sun as it attempted to scorch our love. Then I gave into Summer’s rage. Welcomed its burning lust. My hands stoked another’s fire as your gaze stabbed my heart. I desecrated forever’s promise. But your pain hindered forgiveness. I no longer recognized the eyes staring back at me. The reflection dancing on the wall as I stood in your shadow.
Escape
Fiction | Dabble I attempted once more Just now Escape — it’s crossed my mind. My suitcase rested under the bed. My exit planned, fear radiated as I attempted to run away. He laughed at my effort, said my attempts at freedom were disgraceful. I cried in the night somber tears as if violins were playing my agony. Me, forever the victim–him, forever the captor. I thought our love could endure through time. But his rendition of love is pain. He’s unworthy of my love.
The Devil’s Grave
Cover Reveal The Devil’s Grave: A Collection of Short Crime & Horror Stories Deception walks among us, clinging to our shadows as we fight to survive life, overcome death, relieve pain, and escape envy’s grasp. If you trod upon the earth long enough, you’ll feel death’s angel hovering over your carcass, pleading for you to let her in. Will you? The Devil’s Grave, the first book in The Devil’s Reign Series, is a collection of short crime and horror stories.
The Instructor
Fiction | Drabble You didn’t follow instructions Just now Written for Grim Flandango’s A Drabble A Day 8: Monday 2/19 REACTION. My attempt to get a reaction failed. She just sat there, flicking the spark wheel. I waited for her eyes to meet mine, but she remained focused on the lighter. “You didn’t think I’d follow through, but I did. I left his body in the park.” Still nothing. A sigh parted my lips as I sat back against the cushion. I began to speak. She raised her hand, forcing my silence. “I–”
The Meeting
Fiction | Drabble Time to talk face-to-face Just now Written for Grim Flandango’s A Drabble A Day 7: Tuesday 2/13 REIMBURSEMENT. She sat across from me, sweat pouring down her forehead as her fingers slammed up against the keys. Her bottom lip quivered as she glanced in my direction. We spoke Monday, over the phone. She informed me the money was in the mail. That was the same reply she had three weeks ago. Figuring it best to talk face-to-face, I made my way into the office this morning for a meeting.
The Assistant
Fiction | Drabble She begged for my assistance Just now Written for Grim Flandango’s A Drabble A Day 7: Monday 2/12 IRRATIONAL. I told her Paul was sleeping around. She called me insane. She said I was being irrational when I suggested she murder him, but begged for my assistance when she needed to hide the body. I showed up after the park closed, rolling up my sleeves while trekking past the basketball court.
The Job
Fiction | Drabble No one wanted the job 1 hour ago No one wanted the job of trudging through murky waters looking for her. But someone had to do it. They said she trusted me. I never gave her a reason to, but she did. And that was enough for them to choose me. She appeared as I stepped onto the soil. Her green eyes crashed against the moon as I reached for my sword. She smirked. I swung my arm. She vanished. Her laughter echoed in the distance. I turned around as her footsteps grew closer. Our eyes met.
Changed
Fiction | Drabble Things changed 1 day ago Written for ’s A Drabble A Day 5: prompt Tuesday 1/30 DISGUST. I should be disgusted with myself, but I’m not. She had it coming. We met fourteen years ago in college. We majored in the same studies. Our taste in men–same. But we were different. She was shallow. My humbleness fed her ridicule. We remained faithful to our roles throughout the years. She was the humiliator. I played the victim. But things changed. I changed.
Sophomore
Fiction | Drabble My first time Just now Written for ’s A Drabble A Day 5: prompt Monday 1/29 SOPHOMORE. It was sophomore year–drama class. She played the queen. And I, a simple peasant, begging for food. It wasn’t far from reality. She was haughty. And I was hungry. I followed her afterward, down the alley, to her apartment, and up two flights of stairs. She lived alone, which was perfect. The last thing I needed was a confrontation my first time.
A Long Time Ago
Fiction | Drabble Peace spoke 7 hours ago Written for ’s A Drabble A Day 4: prompt Friday 1/26 FLIGHT. There was a time when peace spoke. That was a long time ago. Back when I listened to that part of myself begging me to let go. Of what? Pain. Animosity. Standing outside your window, I realized I was mistaken. There’s a part of me that needed fed. A part of me clawing its way back to the surface, questioning why I allowed someone else’s guilt to overpower me.
Survive
I left his body in the dugout behind Station Park. The one that was built during the last war. My great-grandfather told me stories about it when I was younger. How they survived to fight another day by huddling together underground as the enemy trod above them. Once the coast was clear, they emerged. Guns in hand. They won the war. My war was different. All I wanted was to be left alone. But Jay taunted me. Bullied me until I couldn’t take it anymore.
Cardinal
She accused me of being an ornithologist but I told it was a little more complicated than that. I didn’t just watch and study birds–they were a divination tool. How they glided across the sky. What each song they sang meant. Whether they’re alone or traveled with others. All of these things meant something. We sat on the bench in the park. Eyes toward the sky. Following them along as they swam from the open sky to a bare tree branch.
Empty
I was chillin’ at the bar with a handful of cash and a couple of babes by my side when she entered. Voluptuous. Seductive. My eyes traced the outline of her hips before venturing up to her breasts. She took a seat on the stool next to me. I offered her a drink. She accepted. We spoke for a few hours before I moved in on her. The next thing I remembered was waking up alone in the alley a few blocks from the bar. I reached my hand into my pants pocket. Empty. She took everything, even the car.
Nightly Secrets
Without rhyme or reason, you desecrated our throne with raucous escapades. Deception’s tongue recited temptation’s story while smiling in my face. She relished in my bitterness, riding the wave of each fallen tear. Unaware of her name, my mind reinvented the story with each beautiful face I saw. I slew Tina first, as she always had your eye. Rebecca was next–the castle whore who slept with the king and all of his brothers. But the tales lingered.
Seven Years
I placed the ingredients on the counter in front of the mixing bowl. I poured in a cup of oat flour, a teaspoon of cinnamon, tossed in an egg, and a half cup of sugar. I formed the dough into a rectangle–seven inches long for seven years of marriage. Memories flooded back as I placed the dough on the silicone mat and shoved it in the oven. Now for the icing–a dash of yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, and a smidgen of arsenic.
The Rapper
“Hell yeah. Come take a look at my kilo. While I slide up next and feel yo.” “That’s not the problem. How would you like it if your son came home singing that?” “Maybe not to you. But when your child comes home with a wad of money singing look at my kilo, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Duly noted, but at least my son will have money.”
The Tide
“Swept away.” That all I could push forth as the officers drilled me about what happened. “It was the tide.” “The tide?” An officer questioned as more gathered around me. “We were walking along the beach. It came out of nowhere and took her.” My eyes darted back and forth between the men as they studied my demeanor. I wrapped my arms around my body as a gust of wind swept over the beach. My eyes widened as I looked at my trembling hands. “I didn’t kill her. I swear. It was the tide!”
The Job
“I don’t understand. Everything should have gone smoothly.” He took a shot and slammed the glass on the table. “Maybe it’s time you hang it up, find another line of work.” His eyes landed on me as I smiled. “Seems to me like you’ve lost your fizz.” “You think you could have done a better job?” I removed the compass from my coat pocket. “Where did you get that?” “You didn’t think I was going to sit back and let you horde all the riches?” “Doesn’t feel too good being the fall guy, does it?”
Ingest
Sometimes words flow in, through, out. I stand with welcoming arms, sewn lips - receptive. The unknown breathes releasing venom. I swallow chaos ingesting death’s disguise as I wander between the worlds - a portal, horse, time capsule full of chaos and order for only a balanced soul can dance with darkness.
Corrupt
She consumed my flesh, devoured me. Corrupt with pain, I became bitter. This sin left a blemish I haven’t been able to erase. She walked away from us, igniting time’s torture. Darkness called. Agony rose. My blade sought attention. I expected my desires to overpower hers, but her needs transgressed upon my soul like a boulder. I became her pawn once again as she released her rage. She broke my shell, tore me to pieces, and emptied my soul.
The Plan
“Wouldn’t it be better to just break up with him?” “Maybe. But he’s useless. I’d be doing the women of the world a huge favor by wiping him off the face of the Earth. Just think about it, another useless man gone. Think about future generations.” “Maybe you should think about prison.” “Don’t be silly. I don’t plan on getting caught. Jason, my sidepiece, has a pig farm. He said we can feed him to them and they’ll eat every part of him.”
I Seek
White raven black raven one eye between the two I see. Kaleidoscope visions, misty eyes seek. The veil splits. I peek into time’s rendezvous with chaos. Beside their well hanging below one eye — I seek.
The Granter of Freedom
Hands raised toward the sky, I abided under the stars, seeking the cleansing fire of the gods as I offered the sacrifice. Blood puddled under my feet. I stampeded around the circle. Hymns parted my lips. Hands beat the rhythm of life and death. I glanced down at his body, grabbed my knife, and sliced through his foundation. Blood pooled out the wound, running across the sand and gravel. His soul released. Hela awakened, breaking through the soil.
My Pride
Drabble My pride awakened under a darkened sky. Anguish gripped the knife it held. Tattered flesh sang of pain, agony. Its rhythm in tune with the moon's glow, a light shone on my iniquity. I dropped the blade to the ground, fell to my knees, and begged forgiveness as you laid on the ground, pleading for mercy. Battered flesh danced with light and dark. Tossed between the two, I remained torn. Not able to turn back the hands of time, I finished devouring your soul.
Venom
Drabble I became what you predicted She said I was scorn wreaking madness, slicing the veins of mankind. I was a ticking bomb, arousing confusion. She accused me of choking love's existence. Said my heart forced hers into submission. My hate breathed fire as her words fell, scorching my flesh, burying the love I felt. I never demanded her suffering. I never broke down her pride. But she said I'm fear, blinding her soul. A disease permeating. That I transmitted insanity.
Petals
Drabble Behind time's silken web rested my bitterness, wallowing beside a willow bush while your petals danced in another garden. We held the sun and moon in our hands. Stars twinkled in our eyes. Then a brief storm tormented us, uprooted our love, drowning any chance of growth. Clouds hovered over my temple, eclipsing the sun's rays. Dry leaves smothered my heart, choking lost words. My tongue no longer told tales to the lone spider left behind, spinning threads of wisdom my ears no longer heard.
The Play
Short Story I stood in the concert hall waiting for Sheila to bring my tea. Maybe I should have sent someone else. After all, she's still bitter about Michael. Her inability to hang onto a man had nothing to do with me, but I was being blamed for her tattered heart. I'd be lying if I said she didn't have it coming. That cocky bitch thought the world revolved around her. It was time she got a taste of her own medicine for a change. We met at art school.
Kia
Flash Fiction "Kia," I whispered, peering through the dense fog as it danced around me. I knew better than to bring her out here this late. Her parents were going to kill me. My feet brushed against the gravel, sending stones and leaves rustling through the night air. My head turned as a branch snapped in the distance. A part of me wanted to shout out for her, but fear's hand wrapped around my throat, forcing a squeal to appear instead. I jumped as a squirrel ran past me.
Hilma
Flash Fiction I should have known there would be tentacles. Neck deep in a pool of filthy water with veins tangled around my legs, I waded through the murky abyss as it slithered toward me. Like a chameleon, its opaque skin merged with the water, disappearing as it sunk underneath. Lowering my head, I steadied my body, eyes stalking through the debris for a glimpse. A ripple approached from my left side. My head turned, but nothing was there.
I'm Over On Substack
I'm not really all that big on social media. I do have a Facebook page that I barely update. You can find me mostly on Instagram. I do have a YouTube channel with a few book trailers and poetry and I've just started playing around with TikTok. But I'm always looking for writing sites. My newsletter is currently set up through MailerLite and even though I don't have a problem with the site, I was looking for something a little different. After doing some research, I decided to try out Substack.
The Trees Have Eyes
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Free Verse I falter trying to escape Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash The trees have limbs reaching, pulling. My carcass crashes against time's roots, entangled in death's vines, clinging onto love's tentacles while trying to escape but I falter for the trees have eyes. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
Blood Sacrifice
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Acrostic Crows chant while ravens orate Photo by Victor Kallenbach on Unsplash Bodies Linger Oblivious to pain, Open to Death's perception. Souls cling, Adversaries mate. Crows chant while Ravens orate. Inner demons Fester, relinquishing Ill-mannered delusions. Covens unite Evoking time's whisper. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
Time's Serenade
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Free Verse Screams bellow underneath Photo by John Silliman on Unsplash Within the Ironwood I seek towering tombs disguised as butterflies serenading my pride with hellish hymns. Screams bellow underneath time's raging tide while questioning the moon's radiance amidst life's storm. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved. Saponi (American Indian)
One Million
Short Story Warning: Mild Violence I entered the competition on a whim. Wasn't expecting to win, but I did. One million dollars. I just had to spend one night in the house. But not just any house - the Baker house, which was haunted. Sitting in the back of the limousine, I clutched onto my overnight bag. My mother's words blasting against my eardrum- stay away from the Baker house. It's haunted. That was never proven. But speculation was enough to keep everyone away.
Lily
Flash Fiction Content Warning: Violence She got lost in the woods-that's what they said. Running down the path between the stone house and barn. She took the shortcut through the woods behind the gate with the large 'No Trespassing' sign. The one no one paid attention to. The sky was dark and unkind, providing no sanity to the night. But the search team shined their lights around the forest, traipsing through the copse, searching for Lily.
The Sight
Short Story Her body trembled as she moved toward me, left leg limping, toes dragging along the tiled floor as she struggled to remain on her feet. Blue veins ran along her cheeks and forehead as her gray eyes stalked me. I backed away, attempting to move faster as she leaned in closer. Her mouth opened. Blood pooled out as her razor-sharp teeth reflected off the overhead lights. Her jaws clamped together as she leaned into my neck. I held her back.
Words That Burned
Poetry | Acrostic Wounded, time Orates Redemption's pleas. Destitute, your lies S ever love's ties. Tales and rendezvous Haunt passion's dance Alluding T o yesterday's tryst. Burning flesh Underestimates hate's Reign. Powerless, I Now question Everything you say and D o. Saponi (American Indian) This is an Acrostic poem. Acrostic come from the late Greek akrostichon. It is a form of ABC/Abecedarian poem which spells out names or words through the first letter of each line.
Orphan of Silence
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Free Verse Photo by Niklas Veenhuis on Unsplash I'm an orphan of silence. Abandoned screams echo from my carcass, questioning why time's crow severed my tongue and flew away with it hanging from its talons. I watched, like a child, head tilted toward the sky waiting for its return. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
I'm Broken
By Rena Aliston Prose Photo by Marianna Smiley on Unsplash I'm just a mere echo of who I used to be. Whole. Complete. Now shattered. Broken into pieces. Spread across time's foundation, wondering how I fell apart. I used to be whole, one, a complete picture. Now my stained hands fumble, attempting to rebuild my pillar, my temple, my holy shrine I once felt was divine but now look at as an empty shell. Hollow. Shallow. I'm broken. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
Boonfall
Short Story Content Warning: Mild Violence "When was the last time you saw her?" "Seriously? I was just here Monday." He removed his glasses and placed them on his desk. Pressing his back against his chair, he sighed and stared at me. "Well? Do you have an update?" "Mrs. MacCaa-" "Miss." "Miss MacCaa, we have no updates on your mother." "It's been three days!" "These things take time." "We don't have time." I shot up from my chair and darted out of his office.
Horde
Poetry | Tautogram Hollow hallucinations hinder Tautogram A tautogram is a piece of writing in which all the words begin with the same letter. Horde Harpies hover, haunting Hela's halls. Hollow hallucinations hinder - hewing, hexing - harsh hymns habilitate haloed heads. Happy hearts harbor havoc, hypnotizing humble howlers. Healers heckle hasty heretics - hypocrites, harbingers - hedonistic hordes hijacking Helheim, hoarding hallowed heirlooms.
Solus
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Lipogram Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash Lipogram A lipogram is a piece of writing (prose or poetry) that leaves out a particular letter. The letter I've chosen to omit is "e". Solus Spirit's taunt. My skin molts. As my hourglass cracks, pain spills, tainting passion's soil with acrimony. Now I sit solus, invoking your shadow. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
Ablaze
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Free Verse Photo by Paul Bulai on Unsplash Our love, burning in the dark, echoes. A flickering flame penetrates deception's walls for one more tryst. Unmasked, we set the sky ablaze once again. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved. Saponi (American Indian)
Devour Me
By Rena Aliston Poetry | Free Verse Photo by Tommy van Kessel on Unsplash Your eyes a stilled hourglass pouring over my flesh touching, taunting. Devour me with your gaze. © 2023 Rena Aliston. All rights reserved.
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