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"If a poem hasn't ripped apart your soul; you haven't experienced poetry."
~ Edgar Allan Poe
"There's a melody in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with the heart."
~ Carlos Santana
"Poetry changes us by sustaining us, drawing deep from our imagination and feeding our courage and creativity."
~ Steve Thorp
"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy."
~ Rumi |
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.
Henley wrote this powerful poem celebrating resilience in the face of adversity in 1875 (published in 1888) while undergoing treatment for tuberculosis of the bone, which resulted in the amputation of his leg. It emphasizes an unwavering spirit and refusal to be defeated, despite suffering and hardship. The poem's core message revolves around taking control of one's destiny and maintaining inner strength.
A Closer Look:
 Self-Mastery
The poem suggests that individuals are the "master of [their] fate" and the "captain of [their] soul". This suggests a belief in personal agency and the power of one's will to shape one's own destiny.
Inner Strength:
The poem centers on the unconquerable soul. Despite enduring physical and emotional pain, the speaker remains undefeated, showcasing remarkable inner fortitude.
Metaphorical Language:
Henley uses vivid imagery, like the "night that covers me" and the "strait gate," to illustrate the speaker's suffering and the obstacles he faces.
"Invictus" was originally part of a larger collection called In Hospital, but gained a life of its own due to its powerful message. This poem is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph over adversity, emphasizing the importance of inner strength, self-determination, and courage in the face of life's challenges.
May this be a message to you when you're facing tough times: remember your incredible strength. Focus on what you can control, take it one step at a time, and never lose sight of your inner power. A period of adversity doesn't define you; how you respond to it does. Stay strong, keep pushing forward, and know that you'll emerge from this even more resilient than before.
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Comment received from my last Poetry NL, "Langston Hughes" :
Kåre เลียม Enga  wrote:
"Thank you for linking my poem, 'Scribes'. Perhaps someone will read and review. Langston Hughes had a diverse range of poems, including haiku."
 Indeed, Hughes has many great works. I hope you did some reviews! |
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Poetry: August 06, 2025 Issue [#13279]
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