What is a drabble?

Thought to have begun in the 1980s in Britain by science fiction fans, a “drabble” is a short work of fiction exactly 100 words in length.

In drabble contests, they are given a specific theme and a limited amount of time to write. In keeping with tradition, Northshore High School English IV gifted students of Catherine Tanguis held an open-themed contest. Kelly Scott won first place with her poem “Insane?,” and Kyle Hoppens and Ryan Frazier tied for second place with their stories “The Race,” and “The Keeper” respectively. There was also a tie for third place with the works “J197249” by Lindsey Frechou and “The Walk” by Lauren Adams.

The following is a copy of some of the works.

Insane?

By Kelly Scott

“Why do I do this to myself? Does anyone honestly care if I finish?”

“I care! I didn’t train so hard for nothing. I will finish!”

“I am never going to make it. I wonder if anyone would notice if I stopped.”

“I don’t need to stop. I can get through this.”

“I swear; this is the last time. After this, I quit.” “I say that every time, and I’m still here.”

“I feel like I’m dying.”

“I’m still alive.”

“I can’t do this!”

“Shut up! Yes, I can!”

“I’m arguing with myself. Am I insane?”

“No, I’m a runner.”

The Race

By Kyle Hoppens

His surroundings pass by in a blur as he frantically tears down the path before him. A bead of sweat flies off the whipping hair that ripples through the air in rhythm with his rapid pace.

Without breaking stride, he quickly glances around; “I am alone.”

He rounds one curve, then another. Pain shoots through his legs with every bound, muscles screaming, “stop!”

“I must keep going.”

He rounds the last turn. The finish line is in sight! He accelerates for the final sprint. Thirty meters, twenty meters, only ten meters to go.

And he is – beeeeeeeep – tardy.

The Keeper

By Ryan Frazier

It was Sunday. The sun surpassed the horizon moments before the keeper. The fog cleared the glassy portal into the depths of the lake, moments before the keeper. Just seconds before this beautiful keeper, I had cast in the center of a lily pad patch, my top water minnow skated across the slick surface. Skating and stopping with every turn of my reel.

Suddenly the glassy surface exploded with water and excitement, I fought her until she was no longer able to fight, I dropped to one knee, reached over the side, and spoke with a grin, “She’s a keeper.”