Courtesy of Radio 4 - Invictus

[kneeshooter]

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.

William Ernest Henley. 1849-1903

Comments

[jfs.livejournal.com]

I know someone who has that tattoo'd on his back.

While I wouldn't go that far, it's a stunning poem.

[winterdrake.livejournal.com]

Let me guess - Brain of Britain this afternoon?

It's a wondeful poem - sends shivers down my spine.

Re:

[kneeshooter]

Let me guess - Brain of Britain this afternoon?

Indeed. Just happened to catch it in the car. I was just channel hopping and came across it.

[winterdrake.livejournal.com]

lol - i was stuck in a very hot car en route from Rugby to Durhamm. too long a drive for this weather.