A flash may be a startling metaphor, an exact sensory detail, a sudden sonic alignment, or a line that changes the reader’s understanding. Its brightness should connect to the poem’s surrounding material rather than exist as an isolated ornament. Several controlled flashes can guide a long poem through darkness, while one late flash may act as recognition. Revision asks whether the brilliant moment opens perception or merely advertises cleverness, since intensity without consequence quickly fades.

Flash is a short burst of heightened perception or language. It may be a startling metaphor, a vivid sensory detail, a sudden rhythmic acceleration, or a line that briefly makes the whole poem visible. Flash should illuminate rather than merely sparkle. Balance bright moments with quieter passages, and ask whether each flash deepens the poem’s central tension or only attracts attention.