This is perhaps the most powerful
poem—or any piece of writing—about perseverance and standing against
hardship that I have ever read. It's name was unfortunately marred
when, minutes before he was executed, convicted Oklahoma City bomber
Timothy McVeigh recited it. Don't let him discourage you from
appreciating this marvelous poem for what it is. Anyone who has ever
been at a horribly low point in his life will understand. For a
slightly weird recording of this poem read by me,
listen to this 64Kbps MP3 (557 KB).
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.
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