The State of Flash – There is only one rule…

Here, in the state of Flash, there is only one rule: Be brief. That is it. There are those who march, waving flags, chanting things like, “Beginning! Middle! End!” and “Arc!” but they are usually ignored or their flags are snapped in two and things return to the normal state of willful anarchy. Really, anything goes. The only person who wields any power at all is the Editor and he can be overbearing and pugnacious, but he is usually right. At dinner parties, he is known to lean across the table at someone who’s babbled on too long, pounding his fist with every word: “Come. To. The. Point!” It is customary, in the state of Flash, to arrive late and leave early. Also, there is no chit chat in the state of Flash. And people, when they do talk, rarely mean what they are say. It’s instructive to watch their eyes and their elbows and their knees and their toes. Most here communicate with their bodies. There are Meaningful Gestures galore in the state of Flash. There are also many fine sunsets in the state of Flash but you will find them under-described. Nouns and Verbs represent the majority, while Adjectives and Adverbs lead marginalized existences. Some of these descriptors do manage to worm their way into the center of things, but the Editor usually manages to root them out. NEVER utter the words, “Is that it? Is this the end?” in the state of Flash. You’ll offend…everyone. Just remember, be brief, be brief, and by all means, be good.