Invictus - William Ernest Henley

I just arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, just came to my mind this inspiring and powerful poem, Invictus.

Nelson Mandela (Madiba), recited this poem to other prisoners during the time he was incarcerated on Robben Island prison, empowering them through the poems message that talks basically about the courage in the face of death, and despite the indignities life places before us the ability to hold on to one's dignity.

This litle poem from the english poet William Ernest Henley, was written in 1875 and publish the first time in 1888.

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 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.

by William Ernest Henley