My Cardboard Balcony

by Belinda Roddie On the moon, everyone dresses like the sci-fi version of the 1920s and rides around on giant moths. They also serve champagne in bowls because fuck Space Prohibition, am I right? When the flappers dance, they bounce like crazy, keeping their legs kicking even when suspended in the air. And the zoot suits are, indeed, a riot, just like they were back on Earth. You don't have to be an astronaut or a history buff to enjoy the scene. Just don't forget your fedora atop your helmet when you join the party. Be sure to name your insect ride Larry, because it just rolls off the tongue. Then wait for the Cosmic Stock Market to crash, and all the citizens decide to reside on Mars because their business is affected by the moon's global economy. Pearls that the girls wear are as big as moon rocks. The men swagger, though their speech is blurred from behind their heavy visors. Like your cane? It can also turn into an energy blade to smite your foes. Just don'

The men ran the factory like clockwork - all its odds and ends were taken care of. But the women ran the business like water - smooth and fluid and calm. Unlike the metaphor of clanking gears and chiming bells, the imagery of a rippling river seemed more succinct. And in the end, the profits were at an all time high the next corner, and all held responsibility for the success. And thus, there was beer for everyone!