On Sunday, my wife and I went to see the movie Invictus. In my stupidity, I had no idea what the title from from a poem. (It has been a LONG time since I’ve seen Dead Poet’s Society.
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This morning I decided to look up the poem. It’s stunningly beautiful and incredibly poignant as it relates to Nelson Mandela.
I’ve reprinted here for you to read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Invictus
William Ernest Henley 1849–1903
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.
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Tags: Arts, Dead Poets Society, Film, Invictus, Nelson Mandela, Poetry, Soul music, South Africa