INVICTUS
BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Powerful. Especially so when one knows the background of Henley and his personal struggles. The poem draws from an indomitable spirit full of perseverance.
Powerful is a good word for it.
I had no idea my comment would make me an actual Guest Contributor! My humblest and sincere thanks!
Ed, I’m always looking for good content. Plus I feel that adding different voices to the site improves it greatly. Even I get tired of listening to me. Anytime you have something article length (let’s say at least 300 words) e-mail it to me and I’ll review it and probably post it.