Background Knowledge Poem Background

Does it make a difference in your understanding if you find out that the poem is about Christopher Columbus?   Listen and read again.

With hocked gems financing him
Our hero bravely defied
All scornful laughter
That tried to prevent his scheme.
“Your eyes deceive,” he said,
“An egg, not a table correctly 
Typify this unexplored planet.”
Now three sturdy sisters sought proof,
Forging along, sometimes through calm vastness
And yet more often over peaks and valleys.
Days became weeks as many doubters spread fearful rumors     about the edge.
At last welcomed winged creatures appeared,
Signifying momentous success.