John Henry - American

The sun was hot on my back, and the air was thick with dust from the mountain. My name is Silas, and long ago, I helped build the great railroad tracks that cross this country. My friend, John Henry, worked beside me, and he was the strongest, fastest steel-driving man you ever saw, with a hammer in each hand and a song in his heart. This is the story of the legend of John Henry.

One day, a salesman brought a new invention to our work camp: a steam-powered drill. The railroad boss boasted that this machine could drill through the rock faster than a dozen men. But John Henry, with a proud smile, said, 'A man ain't nothin' but a man, but before I let that steam drill beat me down, I'll die with a hammer in my hand.' So a contest was set. The steam drill hissed and chugged, spitting out smoke, while John Henry swung his two heavy hammers, steel ringing against steel. All the workers gathered 'round to watch, cheering for John Henry as he drilled with all his might, his muscles shining and his rhythm never slowing.

When the dust settled, John Henry had drilled fourteen feet, while the steam drill had only made it nine! The workers roared with joy, for John Henry had proven that the power of a person's heart and will was stronger than any machine. But he had put every bit of his strength into that victory, and his great heart grew tired and came to rest. We never forgot him. We told his story as we worked, singing songs about his strength. The story of John Henry reminds us that even when we face big challenges, our own spirit and determination can do amazing things. His legend lives on today in music, books, and art, inspiring everyone to believe in themselves.