"I never can do it... I know I should fall if I tried to fly." 

We all hear that voice when we face something new. But true courage isn't being fearless, it's being scared and doing it anyway. In my speech competition, I chose this poem as it encouraged me to give my best.

The Brave Little Kite

By Katherine Pyle

“I never can do it,” the little kite said, 

As he looked at the others high over his head; 

“I know I should fall if I tried to fly.” 

“Try,” said the big kite; “only try! 

Or I fear you never will learn at all.” 

But the little kite said, “I’m afraid I’ll fall.”

The big kite nodded: “Ah well, goodbye; I’m off;” 

and he rose toward the tranquil sky. 

Then the little kite’s paper stirred at the sight, 

And trembling he shook himself free for flight. 

First whirling and frightened, then braver grown, 

Up, up he rose through the air alone; 

Till the big kite looking down could see 

The little one rising steadily.

Then how the little kite thrilled with pride, 

As he sailed with the big kite side by side! 

While far below he could see the ground,

And the boys like small spots moving round. 

They rested high in the quiet air, 

And only the birds and the clouds were there. 

“Oh, how happy I am!” the little kite cried, 

“And all because I was brave and tried.”

Winning first prize was really exciting, but the best part wasn’t just the shiny blue and gold ribbon. It was what happened when I finally decided to try, even though I was nervous. Before I went on stage, I felt just like the little kite who was afraid to fall. But once I started my poem, I realized that you don't have to wait for the fear to go away to take flight.

I felt so proud of all the other students who stood on the stage too, because we all worked really hard to prepare our speeches. We were all like a sky full of kites learning to fly together! 

I want to thank my teachers and family for being the "big kites" who encouraged me to fly. To anyone who is afraid of trying something new: just remember, the sky is waiting for you!