Invictus

[lunatica]

The poem that kept Mandela going while in prison

Invictus
By 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.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Thank you, my dear lunatica!

This is one of my all-time favorite poems. It is so beautifully put together.

We would do well to remember Mandela's struggle, and how this poem helped him.

I wish I could recommend your post!

:hug:

[lunatica]

2. Thank you CaliforniaPeggy!

I read some posts on GD which where about people saying they were depressed and I wanted to post something that inspires. My post is sinking so if you can kick it that might help some people.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1358368

edited for spelling

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I hadn't realized that you' d posted it over there!

I was just going to suggest that you do so!

I will be proud to kick and rec!