Joaquin Miller’s “Columbus” was first published in 1892, in honor of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the New World (the Americas). “Columbus” is a lyric poem with a traditional ballad form and rhyme scheme, and reimagines the last night of Columbus’s voyage before his discovery of the New World. The poem reflects many of the traditional views of Columbus from Miller’s time, in which Columbus was valorized as both an important figure in European history and as a moral exemplar of the power of endurance and bold imperialistic undertakings.

"Columbus” is Miller’s best-remembered work, and served for years as a popular feature in the literary curriculum in American schools. The poem’s famous refrain “‘Sail on!’”—attributed to Columbus himself within the poem—embodies the poem’s key message: One should always seek to overcome hardship and never give up hope in the pursuit of one’s goals.

Poet Biography

It is difficult to separate fact from fiction in the life of Joaquin Miller, as even his contemporaries were quick to accuse him of being a habitual liar. However, the general outline of his life is as follows: Joaquin Miller was probably born in Indiana in 1837. Miller frequently moved around throughout much of his life, and claimed to have had many colorful adventures, such as living amongst a Native American tribe and seeking his fortune during the California Gold Rush. Miller does not appear to have been notable in terms of his schooling, and he held many different jobs throughout his life: Some of the more respectable professions include his work as a journalist and—apparently—as a small-time local judge; his more disreputable occupations include being a thief.

Miller’s personal life was also scandalous. There were rumors that he married a Native American woman—at a time when such mixed-ethnic marriages were frowned upon—and one of his later wives successfully divorced him after accusing him of serious neglect. Miller had at least three children legally recognized as his own, although he denied paternity of one of his sons. Miller worked hard to cultivate a public persona as a “Frontiersman,” and was nicknamed “Byron of the Rockies” in recognition of his romantic temperament and rather wild tendencies. Miller actively perpetuated his own mythology through various autobiographical writings, although the level of truthfulness in his accounts is difficult to determine.

Miller died in 1913. Although he did not receive much literary acclaim during his lifetime, his poem “Columbus” became his most famous work, and for a time was a part of the literary curriculum in American schools.

Poem Text

Miller, Joaquin. “Columbus.” 1892. Every Writer’s Resource.

Summary

The poem opens with Christopher Columbus and his crew at sea, sailing forth into the unknown on a voyage of discovery. The ship’s mate (deck officer) is feeling fearful and doubtful about the voyage’s mission, and speaks to Columbus—the Admiral of the voyage—about the dangers that appear to surround them, both within the ship and outside of it. The mate mentions various issues, including how navigation is becoming difficult due to entering uncharted waters, the ship’s crew is growing restless, and the sailors are suffering from poor health and malnutrition.

The mate is also worried by the stormy waters through which they are sailing, and talks as if even God has abandoned them to their fate. To each of the mate’s concerns, Columbus responds with the same refrain, urging the mate to “Sail on!” instead of succumbing to the fear and danger. Columbus remains unruffled and determined throughout the night, keeping his watch upon the deck. At the poem’s end, the light of day finds the ship still at sea and reveals a new world, giving Columbus his victory and justifying his bravery and commitment to his mission.