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 end 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 master of my fate;
I am captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
The crippling tubercular arthritis from a young age, Henley lived an active, vigorous life despite his affliction. Nelson Mandela read this poem in prison, thus becoming his inspiration and not allowing the prison to become the master of his fate and captain of his soul. Each of our stories are the same but so different. Yet, we struggle with our fate and soul and who controls them. Allow this poem to help you be that master of your fate and captain of your soul. Allowing you to see the light and path you need to take in your dark times. Out of this you will learn to be unafraid and have courage to look the bully or abuser in the eyes. When you look them in the eyes you will see they are not the masters of their fate or captain of their soul. You will see an empty vessel of darkness while you shine with light from your soul and fate. I saw this when I ran for the school board and had to look the superintendent in the eyes. I saw fear in her eyes and a glimmer of hope for me one day.
