a writer's shelf life

Writing is biodegradable.

It is too valuable to dispose off easily, like metal containers that can be refabricated and reused. It is naturally occurring for some, depending on how well they maximize resources. Those who have few, however, may find themselves blaming it on the barrenness of their land, or on the isolation of their region. Experience, after all, is what leads to the innovation of new uses of everyday items.

It has no legal definition, hence sky’s the limit. A single phrase, sentence, and a word, even, can be classified as such. The characteristic of being may be given to a whole slew of things. Again, sky’s the limit.

Most of it is preserved, via jutting down, typing, or voice recording. Although modern day technology would opt for canning, drying, pickling, vacuum-packing and smoking, people are given the freedom to hold onto traditional practices.

Store it at room temperature, keep it under direct sunlight, or refrigerate after opening – the manner by which you slow down spoilage is up to you; the resealable containers and glass bottles won’t restrict you with handling instructions.

You want creative freedom? You are given creative freedom. Housekeeping magazines and self-help books can only give suggestions… only do so much.

Be careful of admiring it for too long. Biodegradable items are labeled perishable for a reason. Do not adorn it with too much edible leaves and flowers. Excessive icing makes even a well-prepared cake shy away from perfection. A verbose vocabulary is not the answer; brevity isn't either. Tinker with the proportions, but don't dwell on them for too long.

Take a simple rice cake, for example, that you wished to serve to your important guests one afternoon. After taking it out of the fridge, you give it a once over and research on the internet on ways you can make it more presentable. You decided on using mangoes, confectionery sugar, and syrup (preferably chocolate), so you rummage through your pantry to complete the necessary ingredients. Later that day, after you have finally peeled and sliced your ripe mangoes and mixed the confectionery sugar with the right amount of brown sugar, what greets you is an almost jelly-like substance with the smallest hint of rice grains.

There you have it: rotten rice cake, kept out of the fridge for too long. Your frustration all boils down to you having the perfect garnish, and having had forgotten the main ingredient.

Shame.

Do not be fooled by its so-called natural essence. Of course, just because it is biodegradable does not mean it guarantees either health or safety. A story of two lovers overcoming AIDS may help victims everywhere to cope with the disease, but it would not cure it. Likewise, bearing false witness against your hated neighbor can be more dangerous than blueberry pie with cyanide. It would probably send him to rot in jail for something he did not do.

Talk about harmful.

It does not stop there, though. Its power and influence in wars can be at par with how well an in-house chef prepares the meals of generals and lieutenants before every battle, and goes above and beyond brute strength and sheer force.

As for it being recyclable, it is yet to be proved or disproved. Surely, a woman recycling masterpieces of her own is no crime, but a woman recycling masterpieces of another has to answer to the law.

Society has made a label for such act: plagiarism.

As for it being environment-friendly, so long as it comes from something natural and will return to what is natural, and provided it remains in a relatively natural form, then it’s all good. Feel free to use the complimentary pen outside the hall to save the planet.

As for writing being an expression, sure – but of what exactly?

Probably something natural, something biodegradable… like dung.