Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Columbus Reaches the New World

This Day in History: Celebration of Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012
 
The Nina = The Most Historically Accurate Replica
of a Columbus Ship Ever Built
 

Posthumous portrait of Christopher Columbus
Credit: Wikipedia
Columbus Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, remembers Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. He was the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century.
 
'Twas not an easy or pleasant voyage across raging perilous seas. Ferocious winds, tormenting waves crushed the hull and tore at the sails. There was no room below decks for the ordinary sailor, so sleeping commenced on the open deck. Seasickness was not uncommon nor succumbing to death under immense pain. Conditions were harsh but willingness prevailed: hope, faith and courage paved the way to the New World for this was only the beginning.
 "We ate only old biscuit reduced to powder, all full of worms and stinking of the urine that the rats made on it. And we drank water that was yellow and stinking." ~Antonio Pigatetta 1500s, a sailor aboard the Magellan.
  
 Echoes of the Sea
 
The sea, which soars, soothes, threatens and shifts
Emanates life as an unanswered question
If it had lips, it would speak effortlessly
And share untold stories from every nation
 
Oh, sea, mighty warrior of all times
Let loose your triumphant vessels
And relinquish the esteemed memories
Once washed away like the sandcastles
 
The sea, whose entrails reflect symmetrical images
Imitates the snow-capped peak of Fujiyama
If it were a stage, its ghosts would be the stars
In an infinite unpredictable melodrama
 
Oh, sea, unforgiving and yet calm
Lay to rest those who died in your wake
Relinquish troubling tales of mystery and woe
That haunt those souls you once did take
 
The sea, in all its fierceness and serenity
Sustains any argument with the bravest of the brave
Changes its moods with the rolling tide
And whispers of the past echo with each wave
 
©2004 Echoes
Sharla Lee Shults

 
Related Videos
 
Columbus' modern ships were fast and strong enough for the rough Atlantic seas.
 
After 60 days and no sign of land, Columbus' doubtful crew wanted to turn back.
 
During his fourth voyage Columbus was forced to take refuge in a cove off the shores of Hispaniola.
 
 
Since its discovery over 500 years ago a myriad of awakenings have shaped America, her land and her people. What are your visions of hope to see she remains strong?
 
 

6 comments:

  1. What a Beautiful Poem and Great work in remembering the man :)

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    1. Just think what might have been had he not discovered the New World. . .leaves a lot to the imagination perhaps had it been someone else:>)

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  2. Replies
    1. Thank you, Brian. Hope you are having a great day!

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  3. Sharla, this is a wonderful poem, it reminds me of the poems of long ago, ones that told a story, were profound, and memorized by school children. It's up there with "Listen children and you will hear, of the midnight ride of Paul Revere." Great post! Happy Columbus Day!

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    1. WOW! What a compliment!!!!! Happy Columbus Day to you, too! I have a post for catnip but I think the day will be over before I get it done:>(

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