This poem has been crafted as a sonnet: Note the four stanzas filled out with 14 lines, each line contains a total of 10 syllables, and the consistent rhyming pattern connects every other line in each stanza. It is doubtful that William Shakespeare ever considered designing a sonnet around this theme. Renowned French writer Jules Verne published one of literature’s earliest science-fiction novels, From the Earth to the Moon, in 1865.
For the final Saturday of each month, a different and unique feature will be published. Today’s narrative takes a look at an impressive achievement from the Buckeye state of Ohio. Saturday’s regular feature, “Trivia’s Facts and More,” will return next week.
The state of Ohio has proudly displayed one of its favorite nicknames on vehicle license plates, “Birthplace of Aviation.” This recognition has traced history back to the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, and their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Here they planned and successfully designed America’s first aircraft.
Fast forwarding from these early days of aviation as the 20th century unfolded, an Ohio woman sought to make aviation history in 1964. Geraldine (Jerrie) Mock became the first woman to fly solo around the world.
As a mother of three, this Newark native described herself as “the flying housewife.” After earning her pilot license at age 32, Jerrie joined her pilot husband, Russ, for frequent small aircraft flights.
Growing up, Jerrie seemed destined for a more adventurous life. She recalled these memorable words, “I knew one thing. I wanted to see the world. I did not conform to what girls did. What the girls did was boring.”
As her plans advanced toward reality, many assisted her journey financially. Cessna, Javelin Aviation, and the Columbus Dispatch (newspaper) provided timely help.
Jerrie’s plane was a single-engine Cessna 180. The plane’s call sign was N1538C, but it was shortened to Three-Eight Charlie. Her plane was nicknamed the “Spirit of Columbus.”
Jerrie mock enjoyed dressing like a lady when she flew around the world. pictured next to her faithful cessna, one can see that she certainly added style to her adventure. (courtesy of pinterest)
The Cessna aircraft was outfitted with several upgrades:
dual directional finders
short-range radios
long-range high-frequency radio
autopilot
three extra-large fuel tanks (increased the plane’s range to 3,500 miles)
Jerrie’s adventure took-off from the Port Columbus Airport on March 19, and she successfully returned on April 17. Her around-the-world trek endured radio and brake problems as well as bad weather.
One of the flight’s biggest challenges was when Jerrie landed by mistake on an Egyptian military base. Another occurred when she noticed a burning wire while surrounded by extra tanks of fuel. Fortunately, these two potentially flight-ending mishaps were taken care of quickly and without any further issues.
The flight exceeded 23,000 miles (actually 23,103) with an elapsed time of 29 days, 11 hours, and 59 minutes.
Jerrie’s route went east from Columbus toward the Atlantic Ocean with further miles flown over the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, and Pacific Ocean. Some of her stops included the Azores, Casablanca, Cairo, Karachi, Calcutta, Bangkok, and Honolulu.
American President Lyndon Johnson awarded Jerrie the Federal Aviation Administration’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. Her faithful partner, the Cessna aircraft, was exhibited at the National Air and Space Museum at Washington, DC.
top: map outlining Jerrie’s route from columbus, Ohio eastward as she traveled around the world. bottom: “The spirit of columbus” hanging as an exhibit at the national air and space museum in washington, dc. (courtesy of pinterest)
Little Johnny hurried down the sidewalk. Catching his breath upon reaching his school bus stop, he waited and waited.
Soon his fate began sinking in. He had missed the bus . . . again!
The warm and sunny morning invited him to walk across the street to a park. Curious and feeling playful, he explored and enjoyed some spontaneous fun. Readin’ and writin’ and rithmetic could wait a spell.
Minutes turned into a couple of hours. Feeling hungry, Johnny discovered a perfect hideout under a nearby pine tree. He pulled out his brown bag lunch.
Following a quick lunch, he felt a bit sleepy. Fresh air, plenty of exercise, and a filling lunch made him drowsy. Curling up under the tree, Johnny was soon snoozing on a bed of soft needles.
Stirring awake, the noise of his rickety school bus shuttling down the street reminded him that school was over for another day.
Upon reaching his house, Johnny’s loving mother met him at the door. Her stern-looking frown told him to watch out . . . caught again!
These poetic verses are inspired by the 1990 American film, “Quigley Down Under.” Tom Selleck plays an American cowboy and sharpshooter from Wyoming who brings frontier justice to the western Australian Outback. American composer, Basil Poledouris, displays his talents in writing the musical score for the film. One of the soundtrack’s selections is found at the end of this post, and you are invited to listen to it while you read the poem.
A wise, mature owl is hunting at night in the 500-acre woods. As usual, his prey will be one of the smallest creatures in the forest.
A tiny, frightened mouse has been darting behind every shadow in the woods. He’s forgotten just how far away he really is from the family home where everyone is sleeping safe and sound.
With better than perfect night vision, the owl spots the mouse. His hiding place has been discovered, and soon the owl will be feasting on him.
Just as the owl prepares to grab him with his sharp talons, the mouse instinctively jumps into a nearby hollow log. The owl appears dumbstruck for now.
The mouse calls out from his secure hiding place, “Hey buddy, I hear there’s a daytime job available in the 500-acre woods.”
The curious owl answers, “Please tell me more.”
Meanwhile he positions himself on top of the log. The next several seconds will count mightily if the mouse is to survive.
Trying to calm his frazzled nerves, the mouse continues, “Okay, the main office is looking for a branch manager to watch over the woods during the daytime.”
Forgetting his hunger for a moment, the owl asks, “Are free meals included with the position?”
The mouse quickly adds, “Why certainly! I’ve heard that a fresh supply of rabbit stew will be served every morning.”
The owl thinks for a second or two. The shivering mouse’s energy is almost spent, and he feels there is no escape.
The owl responds one final time, “Rabbit stew? I haven’t tasted it for quite some time. I accept the position.”
The overwhelmed mouse begins to relax, and let’s down his guard. As he begins to move out from the log, the owl prepares to strike.
Filled with a dark premonition, suddenly time pauses. The cautious mouse freezes just inside of the log.
The famished owl whispers, “I’ve never really liked rabbit stew.”
Big Sky Buckeye 