A Crack in the Sky

The morning (specifically, just before sunrise) of October 24, 2025, brought with it an interesting sky. Interesting, that is, if you were observing it from our balcony in Henderson, New Zealand. Since Jeanne and I were present, each with a cup of dark roast in our hands, we discussed it and determined that said sky had suddenly become camera-worthy. I dashed (did the 74 year-old shuffle) off to get it.  

Since you readers were unable to be here, I thought it my duty to snap a few and share them around.  

It was a very dark morning as you can see from this first photo. However, just about the time we were grumping most loudly that there'd be no sunrise pictures today, the sky was rent apart (is that proper English?), just above the place on the horizon that the Sun would have risen, if visible, and it became obvious that I might have a chance to get a shot or two.  Of what, I wasn't sure, but every photographer's motto is something like, When in doubt, click away, and sort it out later. (To be honest, I don't know if that's a legitimate motto or not, but it's the way I approach photography.)

I rapidly zoomed in, hoping that I would find that wayward Sun.  This picture doesn't show it but that sky was roiling all around, looking like Someone was stirring a giant flat-white.

And, what do you know, I did find it.    

It moved very rapidly through the narrow slit.  

And before I knew it, it was disappearing into the gloom.  

It was over in about a minute. The sky returned to solid dreary and remained so most of the day. Considering what we had seen, I had to stop and wonder, "What are the odds?"  

Since these pictures and minimal commentary make up a rather brief post, I decided to add on a drabble; that is, a story of exactly 100 words.  

I first started writing Drabbles after reading a novel by Jeffrey Archer. He included two such stories, one before and one after his main work, and he explained that he had started writing them when Reader's Digest challenged him to write one, but gave him only 24 hours to do so.

I've felt very hesitant to publish my own stories here. Putting it bluntly, I worry about how many of you will read them and think they're stupid.

I was greatly encouraged however a few weeks ago when a published author with whom Jeanne and I are acquainted, and who lives here in New Zealand, showed me one of her drabbles. She has several published books and screen plays to her credit, and I thought if she can write drabbles and be proud of them, then so could I be proud of mine. 

She calls them 'fast fiction,' rather than drabbles, and I learned that there are quite a number of people, here in New Zealand, and around the world, who write fast fiction. Many are the 100 word variety that I like, but there are many categories that are somewhat longer, but are all extremely short, compared to the 3,500 to 7,500 word stories that are considered, 'short.'  

There was even a gathering of fast fiction writers and fans held locally, about 4 months ago.  I didn't go to it but may attend one in the future. Prizes were awarded.  

So, here are a couple of mine. I'd like to encourage any of you to try your hand at writing them as well. It almost feels to me like working out a puzzle when I have to say what I want to say in only 100 words.  You give and take as you approach your goal.  -djf

#70   School Days 

“Sigh”….’Summer vacation’s over. Well, three days left.  Just one year left to suffer through at Northland High School. Then, who knows?  Naturally, my class schedule stinks.’   

‘Two days. I hate how new shirts fit. I hate being scrawny.’  

‘Last day of freedom so enjoy it.  Don’t think about the homework coming up.’ 

‘Well, I gotta say, the janitors outdid themselves. This place looks way better than it did at the end of last year.  Smells good too. I better get to class.’ 

‘Hang in there, now. They’re coming. You’ve taught for 35 years, you can manage one more.’

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#77  A Picture’s Worth

Doug had been photographing the rising Sun for weeks. He delighted as it shifted each dawn along the horizon.  

The newspaper today reported an industrial death. An employee suffered an early morning fall from a tower crane; his supervisor stated the man had complained of dizziness.

Curious, Doug accessed computer files, found the photo he remembered, and zoomed in. The sun rose beneath the crane and two figures were visible near the booth. 

After optimizing sharpness and contrast, he gasped and stared. The man’s action was obvious. 

“9-1-1,  What is your emergency?”  

“I’ve just taken a picture of a murder.”