Come, young adventurers, gather 'round
And listen closely to the sound
Of tales from far-off lands and skies
Of journeys that will make you wise.

First, let me tell you of the gondola
A flying carriage like no other
In aeronautics, it's invaluable
To reach the heights, so formidable.

But beware of the fatal perils
That come with traveling at such levels
For the stratosphere can be hostile
And obsessions with it, sometimes viral.

Cosmonauts and pilots alike
Know the dangers they must strike
Accelerating to great altitudes
Where only the brave and strong preclude.

Their vehicles elongated and sleek
To withstand the pressure of such a peak
And those who venture into the sky
Must face the elements or they'll die.

For in solitary confinement,
Above the clouds, with no resignment,
They face the greatest test of all
To conquer fears and not fall.

So if you dream of a life in flight
Of soaring through the day and night
Remember the lessons you have heard
And let your spirit soar like a bird.

Reflections

Here are a few questions that kids can think about after reading the story:

1. What is a gondola, and how is it useful in aeronautics?
2. What are some of the dangers that come with traveling to high altitudes, and how do pilots and cosmonauts prepare for these dangers?
3. Why do you think some people become obsessed with flying and exploring the skies?
4. What qualities do you think are necessary for someone who wants to become a pilot or cosmonaut?
5. What do you think it would feel like to be in solitary confinement in a spacecraft high above the earth?