Retold from Oscar Wilde’s “The Remarkable Rocket.”
Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, the royal family was preparing for a big celebration. The Prince was getting married, and everyone was excited! There were decorations, dancing, feasts, and a spectacular firework show planned for the end of the night.
Among all the fireworks was one very tall and shiny rocket. But this rocket wasn’t like the others. He was very proud and thought he was the most important firework of them all.
“I’m not just any rocket,” he boomed. “I’m a Remarkable Rocket! I’m made from special materials, my family is famous, and when I go off, I shall amaze the world!”
The other fireworks rolled their eyes. The Catherine Wheel spun quietly, and the Roman Candle just puffed smoke in silence.
The Rocket continued talking about himself. “When I rise into the sky, people will cheer! Children will clap! Even the stars will blink in surprise!”
But instead of preparing himself for the show, the Rocket got so excited talking that he began to cry.
“Boohoo! I am too sensitive, that’s why I’m crying. I care so deeply!” he sniffed.
Now, fireworks must be dry to light properly. But because the Rocket cried so much, he became soaked. So when the royal fire-master came to light the fireworks, the Rocket wouldn’t catch fire!
“Leave this wet rocket,” the fire-master said, tossing him aside. “He’s ruined!”
The other fireworks zoomed into the night sky. Boom! Bang! Fizzle! The sky was filled with sparkling lights and colours. Everyone clapped and cheered. But the Remarkable Rocket lay quietly in a ditch, completely forgotten.
Days passed. The Rocket still believed he was meant for greatness.
“I am simply waiting for the perfect moment,” he muttered. “It would be too soon to go off now. When I do, it will be grand!”
Birds came and looked at him. “What are you?” asked a duck.
“I am a magnificent rocket,” he replied proudly. “When I rise, it shall be the most dazzling thing the world has ever seen!”
But the birds just waddled away. The Rocket sighed. “They don’t understand greatness.”
Many more days went by. He lay under the sun and rain. Slowly, he dried out.
One afternoon, two little boys found the Rocket while playing. They didn’t know he was meant for the royal fireworks.
“Let’s take this and light it!” said one.
They placed the Rocket over a fire. And finally, whoosh! Up he flew! Boom! He exploded in a puff of smoke and sparks.
But no one was watching.
There were no claps, no cheers, no oohs or ahhs. Just the two boys, who had already run off chasing frogs.
As his last bit of spark faded into the air, the Rocket whispered, “Ah, what a success! I’m sure the whole world saw me. Truly remarkable!”
And that, dear reader, is the tale of the rocket who was full of pride, but never quite saw that being great is not about talking big, but about doing something that brings joy to others.
Moral: it’s not enough to say you’re amazing. What truly matters is what you do and how you treat others. Let your actions speak louder than your words!