Columbus Aiming For Cathay

Columbus, aiming for Cathay,
Sailed on his voyage west
Which he believed the straightest way
For furthering his quest.

He would have gotten there but for
One continent between
Two oceans and the nearest shore;
The first that he had seen.

The land was yet without a name
That he had come to see
But if he'd fallen short his aim
For his discovery

All men are richer for the trip
Columbus took who crossed
The ocean sailing on his ship
For what he found when lost.