PUNK
Punk—steampunk, cyberpunk, biopunk, dieselpunk—stories where technology is the main focus.
Tag Archive for: Steven Lord
Eldritch & Ether
Beautiful, heartfelt poetry from international poets
Thank You for Your Service
by Steven Lord
The crosshairs rest just above the target’s spine.
Cold zero.
That’s what we call these shots. No chance to learn the pull of the rifling, or the lie of the scope.
The flag flutters slightly in the wind. I adjust my aim half a degree left.
I’ve scored seven kills this way in Afghan. A lifetime of war, Medal of Honor to show for it.
I exhale halfway out, gently squeeze the trigger.
You thanked me for my service, then sent me out again. And again. No more.
I turn and walk away as the crowd’s cheers turn to screams.
Steven Lord
Steven Lord is a fantasy and sci-fi author from the UK. After spending 16 years travelling the world, he has settled down a bit, taking advantage of the change of pace to follow a long-held ambition to write fiction. His influences include Neal Stephenson, Stephen King and Iain M. Banks.
Regrets
by Steven Lord
The yearning starts off in the morning as a low buzz, just beyond the limits of hearing. The shadow of an itch, not yet demanding your full attention.
By midday, it’s harder to focus. Your mind starts to wander down dark, familiar paths.
By sundown, it’s a full-throated roar. Everything you do, see, hear, warped by that single desire. Your mental protestations crumble in the face of the onslaught.
That night—every night—hot blood will mingle with hot tears of shame.
This is not what you wanted. But this is what you have. For now and eternity.
Steven Lord
Steven Lord is a fantasy and sci-fi author from the UK. His influences include Neal Stephenson, Stephen King and Iain M Banks. He lives in the south of England with his wife, dog and two cats and is resigned to his place at the bottom of the pecking order…