Below are three DAR essays from the
Sept. 2019 contest.
The first is by Caden Maxwell (11th
grade school-level winner).
The second is by Ivy Wynne (9th
grade school-level winner).
The third is by Juliet Cairney
(honorable mention for best story/plot).
Thanks to all seventy-eight
students who submitted entries into this contest!
“A Sailor’s Experiences as Part of Christopher Columbus’ First
Expedition to the Americas”
Brian Caden Maxwell
1 Royal Drive
Cochran, GA 31014
478-934-6258
Bleckley County High School
9th Grade
Hawkinsville Chapter of DAR
Words: 1181
Benito Romero, a
calloused, gruff old sailor, sat creaking in his rocking chair. He sat in his
Spanish farmhouse while five of his grandchildren, all under ten years old,
played at his feet. The two oldest, a girl and a boy in their teenage years,
were talking in the kitchen. Benito sat, smoking his pipe in deep thought. He
had plenty to think about considering all of his adventurous years of life.
“Grandpa!” one of the
young girls said, snapping Benito out of his daze, “Will you tell us about your
trip with Christopher Columbus again?”
Benito smiled,
revealing more dark age lines around his mouth. “Again? You guys must love this
story.”
“It’s our favorite
one!” they all squealed.
“Alright, whatever
makes you guys happy.” Hearing this, the two oldest walked into the living room
and had a seat, intrigued.
“It all began,”
Benito looked around, waiting so the anticipation would build, “in the summer
of 1492.”
*
* *
When I discovered
that Christopher Columbus was offering abled seamen 1000 maravedis per month to
sail with him, I was ecstatic. Considering my five years as a fisherman, I
thought of myself as a very capable crew member for the job. This was the hope
I had been looking for since my house burnt down. The past two months had been
awful, with my wife holding it over my head that I forgot to put out the stove
fire. How was I supposed to know that our cat would fall into the fire, then
persist in running around the house.
My mother and
father were getting tired of us staying there, but their troubles would end as
soon as I got enough money to pay for the house I had my eyes on. Sadly the
fish I were selling were not bringing in cash quite fast enough to buy the
house any time soon. It could take two years before I got my finances in order
to make such a big purchase. I did not have two years; living with my parents
was driving a wedge between my wife and I. I needed this house, or our marriage
might not last. This voyage was my opportunity to finally get my life back.
I applied to become a
crew member, and was accepted. The date that we were expecting to set sail
August 3, 1492. We would be taking three ships called the Niña, Pinta, and
Santá Maria. I was set to sail with the crew on the Santá Maria, captained by Juan
de la Cosa.
We prepared for
weeks, getting the ships ready, gathering food, and packing our own meager
supplies of personal belongings. My wife was anxious about me going on the
journey, but I assured her that everything would be okay and that when I got
back we would no longer be bound to staying with my parents. We would finally
have a place to ourselves again. And be happy once more, I thought to
myself
After all the
preparation, the day finally came. We set out on August 3rd, just as planned,
and headed towards the Canary Islands. Colmbus’s plan was to avoid the westerly
winds and pick up the northeast trade winds; then we would use the westerlies
to get back home. We stayed in the Canaries for nearly a month then set out
west on September 6th. Those times between the Canaries and the Indies were
difficult days. Even though I was a fisherman, I was always a little nervous
being in the middle of the ocean. Being semi-close to land is one thing, but
being hundreds of miles offshore, not sure if you'd even make it to where you
were going, was a completely different feeling.
Throughout our
journey, we would see floating vegetation and different types of birds, things
that made us think we were nearing land. The crew was hopeful, but as the weeks
went on, land was nowhere to be seen. Food rations were getting low, and people
were losing hope. By October 10th, most of the crew believed that we would
never find land, and we would never get back home. I tried to stay hopeful, but
those were hard days for all of us. Then on October 12, our worries were washed
away.
The Pinta had sighted
land. When all of the crews had made it to shore, we all celebrated and laughed
together. We had made it to the Indies. Our royal banner was planted, but
besides that, we did not stay for long. We traveled from island to island,
exploring and encountering the natives. Columbus was set on finding treasure
that we could bring back to Spain, but we had no such luck. But that did not
matter to the crew members. We were more interested in our national pride. We
were doing great things for our country, and all the while getting to explore
and see a part of the world that we had never experienced.
Everything was going
smoothly; that is until December 5, 1492. We were sailing off the coast of one
island when suddenly I felt a great lurch in the Santá Maria. I heard yelling
from below deck. “The ship has been breached!” I headed to the stairs to see
what was happening. As I ran, the screaming from below started to fade. When I
got to the stairwell, water began rushing up out of it. One of the crew members
was trying to swim up from the stairs. I grabbed him by the arm to help pull
him up. The water was now up to my waist. Another person appeared from below
deck; I guided him to the surface. My feet lifted off the deck, and I was
treading water. I turned to see the mast falling away from me, the giant sail
engulfing people and trapping them underwater. I watched in shock.
When the entire ship
was underwater, I looked around to see roughly thirty crew members floating.
Our other two ships were close by, and they rushed over to help the remaining
crew members. There were too many people to take back to Spain on the two
ships, so we had to leave some of the men on the island.
I returned to Spain a
changed man. On the day of my return, I rushed into my parents’ home and had a
happy reunion. I questioned the absence of my wife, and my parents had informed
me that she had started her own bakery, which had become very successful. In
the time that I was gone, she had already bought us the new house that we had
wanted. My parents told me where her bakery was located, and I reunited with
her. There was lots of hugging, kissing, and tears. I jokingly scalded her for
buying the house that I was trying to make enough money for. After all, that
was why I went on the voyage, and almost died, in the first place. But
none of that mattered because we were back together, and I had never seen her
so happy.
Bibliography
Columbus's Crew,
http://columbuslandfall.com/ccnav/crew.shtml. Accessed 13 Sept. 2019.
Romey,
Kristin. “Why Haven't We Found Christopher Columbus's Ships?” On Columbus Day
2017, Why Haven't We
Found the Explorer's Ships?, 3 Nov. 2017,
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/10/columbus-nina-pinta-santa-maria-shipwreck-archaeology/.
Accessed 13 Sept. 2019.
“The First Voyage.” Encyclopædia
Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Christopher-Columbus/The-first-voyage.
reck-archaeology/.
Accessed 13 Sept. 2019.
“A Sailor’s Experiences as Part of Cristopher Columbus’ First
Expedition to the Americas”
Ivy Wynne
478-934-6258
Bleckley County High School
9th Grade
Hawkinsville Chapter of DAR
Words: 1185
I stepped off the ship still groggy from the
lengthy voyage. I stumbled through crowds of sailors swarming the dock
reuniting with loved ones. The warm colors painting the sky and a salty scent
welcomed me home. Luxuriant plants, just beyond the strewn gravel glowed of
healthiness and beauty. The birds sang a lovely harmony that whistled through
the air, delighting all that could hear. Too faint to understand, I heard a
familiar voice and immediately looked forward pleased to see my wife, Karla,
and my daughter, Estelle running towards me. Closer now, I could hear Estelle
clearly shouting, “Papi! Papi!” She jumped into my arms giggling with a big
toothy smile across her face. When Karla neared, I stood with Estelle wrapped
in my arms. Looking into Karla’s eyes I was left in a trance unsure of what to
do. Suddenly, I found myself giving her a quick kiss saying everything I didn't
have the words to.
Thick vines and
moss still covered the brick exterior of the house, leaving it with a jungle
finish. The yard was still full of white daisies I used to put in Karla’s dark
brown hair on long afternoons spent together. Inside, the house smelled of food
Karla was preparing while I played with Estelle. After dinner, I got myself and
Estelle ready for bed while Karla cleaned the dishes. Tucking her in, I kissed
her goodnight. Suddenly, begging me, she says, “ Papi. Could you tell me a
bedtime story? Pretty please.”
“Yes my dear
Estelle,” I respond.
* * *
Raised in poverty, he
began supporting his family as a young boy. Then, one day he was blessed with a
family of his own. He had a beautiful wife and a very pretty daughter who was
7. Struggling with money, he would work any job available. Hearing of a job
opportunity suitable for him, he took it. However, it wasn't just any ordinary
job. He had to sail for a little over seven months in search of an all-water
route to Asia. With his family as his main priority, he boarded the ship when
Christopher Columbus said, “John Lipton, welcome aboard the Nina.”
Now John Lipton
wasn’t so new to sailing ships. As a young boy, his grandpa taught him how to
sail. Now, with his grandpa gone, he was determined to prove himself. A few
weeks into the voyage, there was an issue with a sail and a pillar holding it
in place. One of the small pillars snapped ripping a tear in a sail. These
faults in the ship would soon enough result in a shipwreck. Knowing how to
repair the faults, John quickly discussed the issue with Columbus.
John said, “Cap’n
Columbus, I can fix the sail and the pillar.”
“Okay sailor, prove
it. These men are as useful as a galley slave,” said Columbus.
“Aye Aye Cap’n!” John
responds.
John quickly patched
up the sail with a tattered piece of clothing in better condition than most. He
then used excess rope to mend the snapped pillar holding the sail in place.
Columbus and the crew watched carefully as he worked with ease repairing
damaged objects on the main deck. Columbus was amazed with his skill and
immediately appointed John to the main deck crew. Within the next few weeks,
Columbus and John became relatively close partners. Columbus shared his
thoughts and secrets with John, despite their short amount of time spent
together. Columbus showed interesting qualities away from the crew. He was not
only a very venturesome man, unafraid to take risks, but he showed the
admirable quality of adaptability. No matter the situation, he always found a
way to overcome it. Columbus never treated any of the sailors with disrespect,
instead he remained considerate, and expected the same from his crew. He was a
burly man with long, wavy gray hair. He had a small chin dimple and a long nose
that didn't complement his face all too well. One evening, Columbus approached
John and said, “Lipton, we have yet to find land, and the crew is getting
impatient. Soon, we will have to cancel the voyage.”
“Cap’n, we need to
remain hopeful. We will find land soon,” John replied.
“I will carry on for
a day more, and if we find no land, our search will end. Now go eat. I need my
right hand on deck at all times,” said Columbus.
“Aye Aye Cap’n!” John
answered.
After eating, John
lay on his rough, sandpaper like cot in hopes of a good night's sleep. Every
night he dreamt of his lovely wife and daughter at home. He dreamt of finding
lush green land and mounds of gold because he knew he could care for his family
with the money he received.
John was awakened by
the loud, scratchy voices of sailors rejoicing above him. He sat up, and slowly
stood, approaching the hatch leading to the main deck. Climbing the ladder he
pushed the hatch door open, and was greeted by the morning sun and fellow sailors.
Climbing completely onto the deck, John rubbed his eyes in an effort to unblur
his vision. Focusing, he saw luscious green plants radiating healthiness. The
shimmering water cast a blue tint on the edge of the shore causing the white
sand to appear blue. The palm leaves swayed as the breeze touched it softly.
Columbus and John were the first to touch land, then the crew followed. They
traveled through the new world, we assumed was Asia, and collected valuable
items. While exploring the land, the Santa Maria ran aground and sank on
Christmas Eve. John was surprised see Columbus so calm towards the fall of the
Santa Maria, and soon discovered that Columbus never liked that ship. Before
the ship set sail, some sailors decided to stay and begin building homes and
adapting to their new lifestyle. The journey home was smoother and easier on
the crew. The months went by quicker than before, and sooner than ever, they
were home.
Arriving home, was a
joy like no other. Columbus thanked John with the money he promised him. When
John reunited with his family, his little girl ran into his arms with the
biggest smile. John was so grateful for his little blessing. Then, he saw his
wife and he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her. She was so amazing, and
he wouldn’t be the man he is today without her.
* * *
Suddenly, from behind
me I heard a forced cough. Turning around, I saw Karla leaning against the door
frame with her arms crossed. She stared at me with a look of acknowledgement on
her face. Then she said, “You were telling her about your trip weren’t you
Jim?”
“Yes, how’d you
know?” I asked.
“The love that man
had for his family reminded me of your love.” she said.
“You know I love
you.” I stated.
“And I love you too.”
Karla replies.
With a tired smile on
her face, she climbed into bed and kissed me goodnight. Being careful of the
sleeping Estelle, I rolled over her, and fell soundly asleep.
Bibliography
“Christopher Columbus
Discovers America, 1492.” EyeWitness to History,
“Christopher
Columbus: Explorer.” Enchanted Learning,
“Columbus reports on
his first voyage, 1492.” The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American
Accessed 20 Sept.
2019.
Dr. Frank, Sandra.
“What did Cristopher Columbus and his Crew eat on their Voyage to
America?” Blogspot,
Sunday, October 10, 2010,
weighing-success.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-did-christopher-columbus-and-his.html?m=1. Accessed 19 Sept.
2019.
History.com Editors.
“Christopher Columbus.” HISTORY, A&E
Television Networks, November
9,
2009, https://www.history.com/topiion/christopher-columbuscs/explorat. Accessed 20
Sept. 2019.
Sept. 2019.
“A Sailor’s Experience as Part of Christopher Columbus’
First Expedition to the Americas”
Juliet Cairney
Bleckley County High School
11th Grade
Hawkinsville Chapter
Words: 1200
Strong winds ripped the doorknob from my grip,
slamming the door behind me as I stepped inside. The loud thud echoed through
my silent house.
I walked through the kitchen. My mother stood
at the stove, her back to me. She turned around as I passed through, but she
didn’t smile. She never did anymore. Ever since I’d returned from that cursed
voyage, she’d barely spoken to me. I couldn’t blame her; it was my fault.
I passed through the kitchen silently and
headed up the narrow staircase that led to the tiny attic room that my brother
and I shared. Or had shared.
I tossed my bag onto my bed. The mattress let
out a puff of dust. It hadn’t been aired in all the months we’d been
gone.
Unbidden, my gaze drifted over to the other
cot-like bed that stood on the opposite side of the room, neatly made. Just the
way he’d left it. The familiar stifling guilt wrapped around me as his ghost
filled the tiny room that seemed enormous now that it was only mine. I didn’t
want to remember. But I couldn’t seem to stop.
* * *
Months ago, my little brother and I had
left our hometown of Lepe to sail with Christopher Columbus. Our mother hadn’t
wanted us to go; my younger brother was only sixteen, and I was almost twenty.
But our father had recently succumbed to illness, which left the responsibility
of earning a living to us. The paycheck would take care of our mother while we
were gone.
Before we left, with tears in her eyes, my
mother had grabbed my hands and made me swear to protect Miguel and bring him
home safely.
At the time, I rolled my eyes. Miguel had been
assigned a different ship than me anyway; I didn’t tell her that part, but a
tiny, guilty part of me thought that it would be nice to have some time away
from him. However, to calm her, I promised.
Miguel
had been assigned to the Santa Maria under Christopher Columbus. I was aboard
the Pinta under Captain Martín Pinzón. Pinzon had decades of experience under
his belt. He was older than most sailors, but he was tough, knowledgeable and
fiercely capable. This was his ship, we had been told the first day, and he had
given much of his own fortune to this expedition. Just like us, he had made
sacrifices to be here. He was determined to get something out of it— with or
without Columbus.
Throughout the
voyage, my brother and I barely saw each other. The Pinta had set off alone
multiple times in search of riches; we’d been mostly unsuccessful, but Captain
Pinzon had always managed to get us back in time to claim our part in every
major discovery. The crew of the Pinta firmly believed that when we returned to
Spain, the glory should be ours. We’d taken more risks and explored more land;
we deserved the notoriety back home. We just had to get there first.
One day, a month into
the return journey, a sharp breeze ruffled the hot, still air. By now, months
at sea had honed my instincts as a sailor. My back straightened, and the men
and I exchanged looks. A storm was coming.
The temperature
dropped as clouds covered the sun. A hum of nervous conversation rose as
sailors watched the sky.
The cabin door flew
open with a sharp thud as Captain Pinzon strode out, barking orders.
“Batten the hatches!”
he shouted, pointing vigorously. “Francisco!” He barked at the first mate.
“Change course!”
“But, Captain!” the
second mate interjected. “Columbus doesn’t know to change course. Is this wise,
in a storm that could separate us—”
Pinzon’s eyes flashed
dangerously. “Do not question me,” he warned, and the second mate cowered. As
we gathered around, listening attentively, Pinzon continued.
“This storm is the
opportunity we need,” he told us. “We will break away from the others and take
a faster route back to Spain. When we arrive, the glory will be ours; in
Columbus’s absence, the king will take an audience with me, and we will have
the recognition we deserve.”
“What of Columbus?”
someone called out of the crowd.
Pinzon’s lips twitched.
“With any luck, we’ll
beat him there,” he said. “With a little more luck, we’ll never see him
again.”
A hush fell over the
sailors. We knew how our captain felt about Columbus, but we had never heard
him hint at anything like this.
Another sharp, cold
wind cut through the air, snapping us out of our moment of hesitation.
“To work!” Pinzon
shouted. “Change course and batten the hatches. Everyone to their places! We
have to survive the storm to make it home. Think of the reward! It’s ours for
the taking!”
Everyone jumped into
action, running to their places. A rough hand grabbed my shoulder,
pulling me around.
“Felipe!” A sailor
shook me. “Come on, help me secure the sails!” I followed him over to the
foremast.
“Lorenzo,” I muttered
as we worked. “What are we doing?”
His eyes were alight
with excitement. “Taking what’s ours,” he said. “The glory and riches will go
to those who are willing to take the risk.”
“We’re abandoning
half the crew in a storm—”
“We are the crew,” he
corrected.
“This doesn’t bother
you at all?” I asked.
“No,” he said,
turning to me. “We’re going out on our own. Captain Pinzon finally tired of
Columbus dragging his feet. This is what we’ve been waiting for! I don’t know
why you’re acting like this—”
“What about
Columbus’s crew?” I asked.
Lorenzo laughed. “Who
cares about them?”
I looked at him.
“Lorenzo, my little brother is on that ship.”
He fell silent, the
excitement fading. For a second, we just stared at each other. Then he spoke,
and his voice was much quieter now.
“Captain’s orders,
Felipe,” he said.
We finished tying
down the sails in silence as the winds picked up. Clouds rolled over the angry
gray sky. The sea began to roil, tossing our small ship across its surface as
dark sheets of rain began to pummel the deck.
As I ran below to
help secure provisions, I glanced through the rain at the rapidly disappearing
ship. I fancied that I could see a faint outline in the howling storm.
Miguel, I thought, my
stomach twisting.
That was the last
time I ever saw him.
***
When I returned alone, my mother had gasped,
then burst into tears. I had tried to comfort her, but she’d shoved me away,
disgusted. She’d barely spoken to me since.
I let out a shaky breath, trying to push his
face from my mind, trying to stifle the rising guilt. It never worked.
My mother blamed me. Try as I might, I
couldn’t disagree. I stared at the wall
of the attic bedroom. Weeks later, I could still feel the rain stinging my
eyes, the wind throwing me sideways as I took my final glance at their
ship.
I tried to find him later, when we docked in
Spain, but the crew had scattered. I never found out what happened to him. Now
I will never know.
Bibliography
“Christopher
Columbus- 1st Voyage.” Christopher Columbus EU,
www.christopher-columbus.eu/voyage-1.htm.
Accessed 19 Sept. 2019.
Flint, Valerie I.J.
“Christopher Columbus.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia
Britannica,
inc., 17 July, 2019,
www.britannica.com/biography/Christopher-Columbus/The-fourth-voyage-and-final-years.
Accessed 19 Sept. 2019.
“Martin Alonso
Pinzon.” Encyclopedia.com,
www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/explorers-travelers-and-conquerors-biographies/martin-alonso-pinzon.
Accessed 19 Sept. 2019.
