Answer:
"A Thought of Columbus" is a poem written by Walt Whitman that reflects on the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer who discovered America in 1492. In the poem, Whitman contemplates Columbus's journey and the impact it had on the world.
The poem is divided into two sections, the first of which is a description of Columbus's journey across the Atlantic. Whitman writes about the "rolling waves" and "roaring winds" that Columbus and his crew encountered on their journey. He also describes the sense of anticipation and wonder that must have accompanied them as they approached their destination.
In the second section of the poem, Whitman reflects on the legacy of Columbus's journey. He acknowledges the controversy and criticism that Columbus has faced in the centuries since his discovery, but ultimately celebrates him as a hero and a visionary. Whitman writes, "Great captain, now enter your ark... for you / The athwartships are steady... you softly and silently lower yourself... / Wary, a little tired, the laborers on the day's work done / Walk after you, singing patriotic songs, / As they go home and evening falls."
Overall, "A Thought of Columbus" can be interpreted as a celebration of exploration and discovery. Whitman sees Columbus as a symbol of the human desire to push beyond our current limits and discover new frontiers. At the same time, he acknowledges the complexities and controversies that surround Columbus and his legacy, but ultimately chooses to focus on the positive aspects of his journey and the impact it had on the world.
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