By A J Dalton
I was one of the lucky ones
with enough just before the end
to get the implants
for extended life.
But I only had the credits
when the life insurance was paid out
for my beloved.
The guilt is a daily death,
Living its own punishment
Though it was what she’d wanted
For me
She said – in that twin-tone mocking-love
Of hers.
I was selfish
I know and admit it
and hate itand myself.
Funny: all the things I wanted to achieve?
are nothing without Marywith me
— the exotically imaged and farflung places,
the iridescent moons of Yarn and their vibrant vistas
are empty.
For all my augmented strength
enhanced eye-scan vision
lubricoolant™ heart-washing
and high-def mental acuity charging
I am less and weaker than ever.
Yes, I am one of the lucky ones.
About the Author
AJ Dalton
A J Dalton (www.ajdalton.eu) is a UK-based writer.
He’s published the Empire of the Saviours trilogy with Gollancz Orion, the Darks Woods Rising and Digital Desires poetry collections, and other bits and bobs.
He lives with his monstrously oppressive cat named Cleopatra.
Our weekly podcast features the stories from recently published issues, often narrated by the authors themselves.
Chuck McKenzie was born in 1970, and still spends much of his time there.
Mark is an astrophysicist and space scientist who worked on the Cassini/Huygens mission to Saturn. Following this he worked in computer consultancy, engineering, and high energy research (with a stint at the JET Fusion Torus).
My time at Nambucca Valley Community Radio began back in 2016 after moving into the area from Sydney.
Margaret lives the good life on a small piece of rural New South Wales Australia, with an amazing man, a couple of pets, and several rambunctious wombats.
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