Here's a breakdown of how the poem portrays Columbus:
* Focus on the voyage's brutality: The poem highlights the violence inflicted on the indigenous populations, describing the "blood on the water" and the "slaughter of the innocents." This aspect puts a darker light on Columbus's legacy, emphasizing the human cost of his "discovery."
* Questioning his heroism: Miller uses the line "He did not dream of this" to imply that Columbus was not aware of the true consequences of his actions. This throws into question the notion of him as a hero, suggesting that his ambition came at a terrible price.
* Emphasizing the forgotten victims: The poem focuses on the pain and suffering of the indigenous people, giving them a voice and honoring their resilience. This allows readers to consider the history of colonization from a different perspective, shifting the focus from the explorer to the explored.
In short, Vassar Miller's poem "Columbus" does not declare him insignificant, but it does present a critical and complex view of his legacy, exposing the brutal side of his journey and the human cost of his ambition. It prompts readers to question the traditional narrative of Columbus as a hero and to consider the impact of his actions on the indigenous populations.