Poem: Invictus

I'm truly inspired by this poem on so many different levels. 

The title itself, “Invictus” is Latin for “unconquerable.” I've learned over the years, and I try to keep in mind when I struggle, that when life kicks you in the gut, get back up and kick life’s butt!!

The poet, William Ernest Henley, had the unconquerable spirit which is evident in his poem of inspiration. When he was 12, Henley developed tuberculosis in the bone and had to have his leg amputated to the knee. The doctors told him he would have to have the other one amputated if he were to survive. Henley told the docs that they were full of hogwash and let them amputate just one leg. He ended up keeping the other and lived to lead an active life with one leg and had a successful career as a poet and literary critic. Henley was truly the captain of his soul!

Compass Check: In what ways am I/am I not captain of my soul?

Invictus

~ 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.