Space Cubes

Peering out of the window at the front of the shop, I notice a young lady waiting for a friend. She is not much different than I . We each have the same space cube, a distinguishable red, indicating she is single. Mind you, not the whole cube is red, just the edges, that way you can see clearly.
   If one ponders enough, you begin to ponder about these cubes we are encompassed in. Each person has one, and cannot escape; that is because it is their personal space (you can‚t escape from your own space). One cannot touch the cube itself, for it is made of ether and ether is not a touchable substance. There isn't gravity inside the cube, so one will never be able to touch any of the sides. The space cube‚s walls are just out of reach in every angle. Trying to jump in an attempt to touch the top is fruitless, because the cube merely jumps with you.
   The cube itself, however, has gravity in relation to the earth. Instead of touching the ground, it hovers just centimeters above it. I've come to accept that as the ground being of filth, and I am to stay clean. Walking down the crowded streets, cubes pass through each other momentarily. Two friends talking become one cube until they part, when the cube separates into two again. These occurrences are nothing out of the norm. They happen everyday just like the sunrise and sunset. I find it interesting to think about where they came from and why we have them sometimes.
   I wonder, has anyone ever gotten out of their cube? What happened to them then? You can tell the people that think like this. You will see them on a street corner, standing on their tippy-toes, then leaping into the air, trying to catch the top wall by surprise. After a few failed attempts, they try out a new strategy. Reaching as far as they can to the right or left, just trying to even swipe the side walls, until they fall to the ground.
   I'll admit, I tried it myself. Once I realized I looked like a fool, I quit and accepted my boxed state. It is the way life is meant to be lived. I still like to dream, though. Dream of heaven. I've been told in heaven, there are no cubes at all.

© Copyright 2000 Sara Updegraff

All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce please contact Jack C. Straton, University Studies, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97210-0751, straton@pdx.edu.

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