18 January 2010

Invictus



I read this poem a little over a year ago and quickly put it to memory. The fourth verse is especially meaningful for me, as it takes a stand against the fear of the supernatural ruling people's lives.

Invictus


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. 

 - William Ernest Henley 

3 comments:

CyberKitten said...

Fantastic poem. Love it *lots*.

Pamela said...

Thank you so much for posting this poem... It is wonderful and wonderfully read. Even more I thank you for bringing this wonderful series of ads to my attention. I have spent the morning listening to them and feel that I have been to Church and once more have fallen in love with the rhapsody of the spoken and written word.

Stephen said...

You're quite welcome -- looking for a reading of Invictus is also how I found the series. The approach taken by this bank is far more enjoyable than a 30 seconds of false excitement and questionable promises!