I started reading short poems for my Facebook wall a year ago, but reception was kind of “Meh”, and they’re pretty labour-intensive — at a time where I was already too busy — so I put them to the side.
I’m desperate for blog fodder, so here you go.
Written in 1875, “Invictus” is probably the poem that William Ernest Henley is best known for.
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
As could be guessed, I’m rather fond of it.
Ian
Invictus has always been my favorite poem.