In 1492, I sailed the ocean blue. Stumbled into the Land of the Taino, naked as the day they were born. Trusted me, saw the good in me, accepted me, allowed me to call them by another name. I claimed this land for myself and my people and soon enough, our impact spread like the diseases we brought. I fear I have depleted the soil, caused native plants to be over-grazed, incited violence, and brought death upon the innocent. I see the wreckage I have allowed. The culture of the Taino is now nearly nonexistent, their children only know life as it is under the oppressive hand of my men. As I prepare for departure upon allegiance to the crown and motherland, I know that I can't stay. But I don't want to leave. How can I go somewhere else, when this feels like home to me? I've fallen in love with this place and yet I must go. I feel there is a more deserving, loving hand to tend the land and begin its regrowth. I keep stiff and stern, and sail away, leaving my heart on the shores.