The Columbus poem is a simplified version of the story of Christopher Columbus, the explorer who is credited with discovering America in 1492.
The poem highlights key events of Columbus’s journey, such as leaving Spain with three ships, navigating through different weather conditions, using stars and a compass for navigation, and finally reaching the Bahamas on October 12.
The poem emphasizes Columbus’s excitement and pride upon reaching the Bahamas, thinking he had reached India. It also mentions the friendly interactions between Columbus’s crew and the native Arakawa people, who shared food and spices with them.
While the Columbus poem is a simplified and poetic retelling, it captures the spirit of Columbus’s adventurous journey and the mix of joy, surprise, and challenges he and his crew faced.
The Columbus poem is a playful way to introduce young readers to this historical event easily and engagingly.
The Columbus
“In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
“In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
He sailed by night; he sailed by day.
He used the stars to find his way.”
A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go”
“Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored.”
Then the workers went to sleep;
And others watched the ocean deep.”
“Day after day, they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees, rocks, and sand.”
“On October 12, their dream came true.
You never saw a happier crew!”
“Indians! Indians! Columbus cried;
His heart was filled with joyful pride.”
“But ‘India’ the land was not;
It was the Bahamas, and it was hot.”
“The Arakawa natives were very nice;
They gave the sailors food and spice.
Columbus sailed on to find some gold.
To bring him back home, as he’d been told.”
He made the trip again and again,
Trading gold to bring to Spain.”
“The first American? No, not quite.
But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.”
Poem Analysis
The poem “Columbus’s Voyage” takes us on a poetic journey back to the year 1492, when Christopher Columbus, a daring explorer, set sail across the vast and mysterious ocean. The verses vividly describe the challenges and triumphs of his historic expedition.
First Stanza:
“In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
The opening sets the stage with a rhythmic rhyme, telling us that in the year 1492, Columbus embarked on a courageous journey across uncharted waters. The simplicity of the language draws us into the historical adventure.
Second Stanza
“He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind, and rain.”
Here, we learn about Columbus’s fleet of three ships and the unpredictable weather he faced. The use of weather elements paints a picture of the unpredictable nature of the sea, creating a sense of both excitement and challenge.
Third Stanza:
“He sailed by night; he sailed by day.
He used the stars to find his way.”
In this stanza, we get a glimpse of Columbus’s navigation skills, relying on the stars to guide him through the vast expanse of the ocean. It highlights his resourcefulness and determination in the face of the unknown.
Fourth Stanza:
“A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go”
The mention of a compass emphasizes the technological tools Columbus employed on his journey. It adds a touch of practicality to the narrative, showcasing how a combination of traditional navigation methods and emerging technology played a role in the success of the expedition.
Fifth Stanza:
“Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored.”
This stanza introduces us to the crew, emphasizing the teamwork required for such a monumental undertaking. The contrast between those working and those resting adds a human touch, making the historical figures relatable.
Sixth Stanza
“Then the workers went to sleep;
And others watched the ocean deep.”
The shift from work to rest among the crew reveals the constant vigilance needed on the journey. The repetition of “ocean deep” evokes a sense of the vast and mysterious nature of the sea.
Seventh Stanza
“Day after day, they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees, rocks, and sand.”
The repetition of “day after day” underscores the prolonged anticipation for land. The dreams of “trees, rocks, and sand” humanize the sailors, connecting them to the familiar landscapes they longed for.
Eighth Stanza
“On October 12, their dream came true.
You never saw a happier crew!”
The climax of the poem arrives with the discovery of land on October 12. The joy of the crew is palpable, capturing the elation of achieving what seemed like an impossible dream.
Ninth Stanza
“Indians! Indians! Columbus cried;
His heart was filled with joyful pride.”
The exclamation of “Indians” and Columbus’s pride reveals the initial belief that he had reached India, showcasing the excitement and wonder of encountering new cultures and lands.
Tenth Stanza
“But ‘India’ the land was not;
It was the Bahamas, and it was hot.”
The realization that the land was not India but the Bahamas adds a touch of irony, emphasizing the unpredictability of exploration. The mention of the climate adds a sensory element, making the setting more vivid.
Eleventh Stanza
“The Arakawa natives were very nice;
They gave the sailors food and spice.”
Here, the poem introduces the hospitality of the Arakawa natives, emphasizing the positive encounters between Columbus’s crew and the indigenous people. It highlights the cultural exchange that took place during the exploration.
Twelfth Stanza
Columbus sailed on to find some gold.
To bring him back home, as he’d been told.”
The continuation of Columbus’s journey reveals his mission to find gold, linking the exploration to the economic motivations of the time. It adds a layer of complexity to Columbus’s historical role.
Thirteenth Stanza
“He made the trip again and again,
Trading gold to bring to Spain.”
The repetition of “again and again” speaks to Columbus’s determination and persistence in making return voyages. The mention of trading gold underlines the economic aspects of exploration during this period.
Fourteenth Stanza
“The first American? No, not quite.
But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.”
The poem concludes by addressing the historical context, clarifying that Columbus wasn’t the first American but acknowledging his bravery and intelligence. This final reflection invites readers to appreciate the complexities of historical figures and events.
Conclusion
In “Columbus’s Voyage,” the rhythmic and engaging language transports readers to a pivotal moment in history. Through vivid imagery and relatable human experiences,
The poem captures the spirit of exploration, the challenges faced at sea, and the cultural encounters that defined Columbus’s journey.
The blend of history, adventure, and humanity makes this poem an accessible and enjoyable exploration of a significant chapter in our past.
This is all about the Columbus poem.