Jan 2, 2012

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.

Henley was forced to amputate his leg at the knee due to complications from a tuberculosis infection.   He put his trauma to words.

The last verse, particularly the 2 lines I highlighted, are especially inspiring.  No trial or tribulation should cause you to regress or falter.  Move forward with held up high.

Happy New Year.

Future out.