Sense Sonnet - Pumper

Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson set new footprints
In nineteen o'nine in a place
He believed the North Pole, so hence
Was he the first man in that race?
A young black orphan, Henson had
For years shared Peary's North Pole dream.
He was Peary's closest comrade,
But far less credit, it would seem,
Whether or not 'twas Henson's foot
That really did stand first upon
The North Pole in human pursuit
Of being the first to get it on.

A mystery of history,
But Henson's foot of note should be.