"Invictus" Gives Me Solace
I would like to thank you for your kind comments and words of encouragement on yesterday’s post. I have some wise and wonderful readers for which I am truly grateful.
I was watching Oprah last night on the DVR. It was Thurday’s show with Kirstie Alley, who I find both hysterical and inspirational. She mentioned a poem by William Ernest Henley called “Invictus.” I”m sure you’ve heard of it by now, especially since there is a recent film with the same title. Henley was born in Gloucester and “Invictus” is his best known work. Nelson Mandela said he read the poem for motivation during his time in prison. It seems it served him well as it does me now. I’m including the text below for you to enjoy. I think you’ll find it inspirational too.
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 bludgeoning 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
