In skies of old where dreams took flight,
Otto Lilienthal, a beacon bright,
Born in Prussian lands, under heavens vast,
In Anklam's embrace, his roots held fast.
A mechanical mind, a spirit free,
From war's grim clasp to destiny,
In his workshop's forge, dreams took shape,
Wings that would the heavens drape.
His tome, "Bird Flight," laid the trail,
For those who'd follow, in his sail,
Through air's embrace, he sought to glide,
With wings that danced on the wind's tide.
Two thousand flights, against the sky,
On crafted wings, he dared to fly.
From hill to hill, a fearless leap,
In gliders' hold, his visions steep.
His images, spread far and wide,
In papers' print, his dreams did ride.
A world inspired, watched in awe,
As he defied gravity's law.
From Chanute's pen, his work would flow,
To Wrights' hands, where it would grow.
A bridge he built, with daring feat,
From past to future, a path complete.
From distant shores, the Wrights drew breath,
Inspired by Otto's dance with death.
In fields of Kitty Hawk they soared,
Where Lilienthal's dreams roared.
For progress calls with silent voice,
In sacrifice, we make our choice.
Through pain and loss, the future's key,
In brave hearts lies our destiny.
In science's unrelenting quest,
Through failure's trials, we find our best.
From errors made, wisdom is born,
In daring leaps, our hopes are sworn.
But fate, unkind, with tragic twist,
In Berlin's hold, his life dismissed.
A fall from grace, in skies so blue,
Yet in his end, our dreams anew.
For pioneers, like stars that burn,
In their descent, the world they turn.
Lilienthal, in skies you roam,
In every flight, your spirit's home.
So honor those who boldly led,
Through uncharted skies, their spirits fed.
In their bold steps, we find our own,
From their sacrifices, our future's grown.
Through risks you took, the world did gain,
Your daring heart, not lost in vain.
In every craft that graces air,
Your legacy, forever there.
By Greg McNeilly
