Every year at this time, Columbus Day rolls around and I hear the beginning of this poem reverberating around my head, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue" but I've never known the rest. So, just in case you have the same affliction, here it is in its entirety. I hope this gives you a sense of closure too. Note: I'm unable to easily find who was the original author.
IN 1492
In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.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 and rocks and sand.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 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.Note: From what I can tell, Columbus never set foot on any land that later became part of the 50 United States of America. Please correct me if I am wrong.
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