I mentioned last week in a Tweet that I watched the Clint Eastwood directed film, Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. It was a marvelous movie. In fact, my wife Barb had zero interest in watching it and I literally coerced her into it. She now says it’s her favorite movie. Period. She should listen to me more often…but I digress.
I did a little research on the word Invictus. It’s Latin for “undefeatable.” It’s also a powerful poem by William Ernest Henley that is recited in the movie by Freeman (one of the great voice-over guys ever in my opinion). I’ve read and re-read the poem several times now. The power in it is comes from the imagery and emotion that Mr. Henley scribes. I love it.
Regardless of where life has brought you or where you are today, I think you will be able to connect with the power of this prose. I hope you enjoy…
Invictus
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
© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved
