William Ernest Henley
(1849-1903)
April is National Poetry Month, and although I am not a faithful reader of poetry, I do have my favorite poets and poems. During the month of April, I will be posting some of those here on the blog, for everyone’s reading enjoyment.
“Invictus” has been my favorite poem for around twenty years now; I don’t remember how old I was when I first read it, but it was sometime during high school. I immediately fell in love with Henley’s words and the way they made me feel. The words of “Invictus” have sustained me throughout some of the toughest times in my life, and to this day I feel empowered whenever I read them.
So without further ado…
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 unbow'd. 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.
Do you have a favorite poem? Is there a poem that makes you feel a certain way whenever you read it?
(Poem source: typed from memory; Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)
April 3, 2012 at 12:05 pm
“I am the captain of my soul” – such a beautiful line. So simple but so true.
April 3, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Wonderful, isn’t it?
April 3, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Unfortunately I live in Illinois where our recently departed (to jail) governor (Blagojevich) used to quote this poem and “If” by Rudyard Kipling ALL THE TIME. He was a smarmy dude. I wish he hadn’t ruined these two poems for me.
April 3, 2012 at 3:57 pm
I do believe Timothy McVeigh recited it as his last words before being executed, too. I refuse to let people like that ruin it for me. To me, it says something about the strength of the poem that so many people from different walks of life love it.
April 3, 2012 at 5:25 pm
I love this poem! Heather, thank you so much for posting it today. I needed it,
April 3, 2012 at 5:34 pm
You are so very welcome, Vasilly!