Another 55 Word Flash Fiction: Ink on a Page

This 55-word stuff is incredibly challenging. 

Even if you get a concept quickly, 

executing the idea in such a spare format 

requires editing and re-editing, constant counting. 

55 words, no more, no fewer. 

What stays and what's surplus? 

Always mindful that every word has to count. 

Plot trumps description. 

Cohesive narrative required. 

Yet for all the brevity,  

you want to insert a twist, 

bring an unexpected guest to the table.

Doodles. © 2010 Meri Arnett-Kremian. All rights reserved.

He went first. The graphoanalyst told them what to write.

She studied the exemplars, then said, 

 "Your wife is incredibly brilliant."

She paused. "What does she see in you?"

Chuckle. "Oh, I see. You're an animal."

Right on both counts.

Leopard man. 

Once lithe and agile. Sexy.  

New substitute wife. Dumb blonde.

Same old spots.