INVICTUS

Invictus. Sure it is now the title of a movie and also holds some recognition because Timothy McVeigh murmured it as his last words. However... this is great. British Poet William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus was first published in 1875. This was written over 100 years ago and it could stand as though it were written yesterday. Once again, proof that the times changes but the mentality stays the same. Invictus is Latin for unconquered. 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.