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
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
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 (1:25)
Columbus' modern ships were fast and strong enough for the rough Atlantic seas.
Columbus' Mutinous Crew (2:12)
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?
What a Beautiful Poem and Great work in remembering the man :)
ReplyDeleteJust think what might have been had he not discovered the New World. . .leaves a lot to the imagination perhaps had it been someone else:>)
DeleteGreat thoughts for the day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brian. Hope you are having a great day!
DeleteSharla, 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!
ReplyDeleteWOW! 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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