The Remarkable Rocket

The King’s son was getting married, and a grand fireworks display was prepared for the celebration. Among the pyrotechnics was a Rocket who was incredibly stuck-up. He believed he was the most important firework ever created, born of remarkable parents and destined for greatness. While the other fireworks—the Roman Candle, the Catherine Wheel, and the Bengal Light—talked of their duty to entertain, the Rocket spoke only of his own sensitive nature and superior station. To prove how deep his feelings were, he began to cry, soaking his gunpowder with tears. When the royal pyrotechnist arrived to light the show, all the fireworks soared beautifully into the sky except for the Rocket, who was too damp to ignite. The next morning, a workman threw him over a wall into a ditch. Even in the mud, the Rocket remained delusional, insulting a Frog, a Dragonfly, and a Duck by claiming they were beneath his notice. Finally, two boys found him and put him on their fire. He eventually dried out and exploded, but it was midday and no one saw him. 'I knew I should create a great sensation,' the Rocket gasped as he fizzled out, never realizing that his grand moment had gone entirely unnoticed.