It’s not been a straightforward couple of weeks here in the bubble household. Nothing too horrendous, not a patch on what some people have to face, but nevertheless, certain circumstances are not ideal.
And all week I’ve had this poem going round in my head. I love it: it’s like a combination of a comfort blanket and a cheer-leading squad. It’s quite dark in places but, to me, is an inspiring encouragement and reminder to look within for the inner strength we all have.
It was written by William Ernest Henley in 1875. As a child, Henley had a leg amputated due to tuberculosis of the bone. As an adult, he was again stuck by the disease which, this time, threatened to destroy his other leg. He wrote this poem as a response to that awful circumstance.
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.
I thought I’d share this as part of Wednesday Words over at Emma’s Crazy with Twins. I hope you get good news on the 20th, Emma.
A poem that really makes you think. Hope things get better #WednesdayWords
Thanks Kirsty.
Thanks for this – found it very empowering at a challenging time
Glad it helped, Kate!
So powerful x #wednesdaywords
I agree! x
Very thought provoking words, I can understand why you couldn’t get it out of your head!! #WednesdayWords
It’s still rattling around in there now!
Wow I’d not read this one before, but I love it! It’s brilliant. I can truly identify with it too. And thanks… no doubt I will blog my results on Friday. Thanks for joining in with #WednesdayWords
Glad you like it Emma, and I’m crossing my fingers for you on Friday!