Tuesday, August 11, 2020

All Summer in a Day


All Summer in a Day is a 1954 science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury, one of the saddest stories ever told. You can read it online here. It begins,
"Ready ?"
"Ready."
"Now ?"
"Soon."
"Do the scientists really know? Will it happen today, will it ?"
"Look, look; see for yourself !"

The children pressed to each other like so many roses, so many weeds, intermixed, peering out for a look at the hidden sun.

It rained.

It had been raining for seven years; thousands upon thousands of days compounded and filled from one end to the other with rain, with the drum and gush of water, with the sweet crystal fall of showers and the concussion of storms so heavy they were tidal waves come over the islands. A thousand forests had been crushed under the rain and grown up a thousand times to be crushed again. And this was the way life was forever on the planet Venus, and this was the schoolroom of the children of the rocket men and women who had come to a raining world to set up civilization and live out their lives.

"It’s stopping, it’s stopping !"
"Yes, yes !"

Margot stood apart from them ...

*******

Here's a photo of a pretty little cup I broke years ago:


Sometimes I find it helpful to contemplate depressing situations that aren't political in nature.

Join me at the T Stands for Tuesday blogger gathering? Some cheerful company after this Post of Sadness will be just the thing.

32 comments:

  1. ...summer doesn't seem to last more than a few days.

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    1. Summer here in Memphis lasts all summer long ;)

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  2. Ray Bradbury was required reading in my high school english class. sad when we break a pretty cup
    Happy T wishes Kathy

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  3. I know that story and it is indeed sad. Just now I need happy things, life is hard ebough. The cup is very pretty. Happy T Day, Valerie

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    1. Happy things are helpful these days.

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  4. Anonymous10:12 AM

    I miss that cup.
    --A Pal

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    1. I know. It was so pretty and so different from the others.

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  5. Have never read Bradbury books...
    such a pretty teacup and saucer. Happy T day!

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  6. That was a fantastic story, but you're right, it was also very sad! I can still remember that story, despite forgetting many other things. It left a lasting impression on me.

    Happy T-Day! (I'm leaving a generic comment for everyone this week, because I'm very sore after each day's storm clean up efforts. Tropical Storm Isaias clobbered Connecticut US August 4, 2020.)

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    1. I still clearly remember when and where I was when I read that story the first time.

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  7. I'm tired of politics and politicians too. I almost can't wait for the election to be over, but I'm fearful of the results. Sorry about your pretty cup.

    Happy T-day and have a lovely week! Hugs, Eileen

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    1. At least the narrative will change a bit now that Harris is in the race.

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  8. Like trying to convince people the pandemic is real. Deep sigh

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    1. I'll hafta send you a link to the video a FB friend shared this morning. I'm still laughing at the accusation that it's people who wear masks who've abandoned critical thinking skills lol!

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  9. Glad you warned us it was a sad story, I have to be in the right mind frame for those ...lol 😀. That's such a pretty little teacup and saucer too! There's lots of happiness over at the T Gang blogs that's for sure - Happy T Tuesday! Hugs, Jo x

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    1. The first time I read it threw me for a loop. I was not prepared. Now I warn people when I recommend it, but I still recommend it ;)

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  10. I clearly remember this story from jr high. The teacher, who I can’t remember, read it to us. Yup. It is sad. I can’t image what that would be like. But I do hope your Tuesday was a happier day!

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    1. Yes, my Tuesday was good, thank you. Kamala Harris was a fine choice.

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  11. I have never read this author.

    Your cup is beautiful. I find it so sad when my favorite dishes break beyond repair.
    Happy Tea Day,
    Kate

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    1. That cup was a favorite :( But I have new favorites now :)

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  12. Amazing, 1954 and now we go near it, just depends on which planet, huh.
    HA, you´re an Hathi, too?
    Happy belated T-day!

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    1. Those old science fiction writers wrote some timeless stories.

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  13. A very thought provoking post. Happy belated T Day!

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    1. I'm still having coffee lol so you don't seem late to me ;)

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  14. I have read everything Bradbury had written. Sorry about the tea cup. Here in Florence, OR. we never get summer. Not a real one. It never gets hot, the wind blow constantly, and then the rains start again. Oh and the wind blows constantly. We all wear the same type of clothes year round. No summer shorts or bathing suits here. It is the one thing I dislike about living here. I hope some good reading will brighten your day.

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    1. I'd love to move somewhere more politically congenial than TN, but weather is an issue. I love summer weather :)

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  15. The cruelty of children...of human beings.

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