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
(1849-1903)
This has been a favourite poem of mine for almost thirty years, inspiring me through rougher patches in my life, urging me to be brave, and reminding me that I too am the captain of my unconquerable soul. It's quite earnest but I love it.
And I'm so excited about its apt association with this forthcoming release. Nelson Mandela, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood - along with an inspirational true story - an illustrious collaboration for movie majesty (Matt Damon's not too bad either).
I remember this moment in history well. I'd never been a fan of rugby, still am not, but on that day of the Rugby World Cup final in 1995, I cried as President Mandela walked out onto the field wearing a Springbok rugby shirt and I was swept along (with most of the country) as he again broke down barriers previously thought to be cast in stone, and united a nation divided for decades in one euphoric sporting moment. It was something I'll never forget.
If anyone embodies the spirit of Henley's poem, it is surely Madiba. And even though it might be a little bit Hollywoodised, the combined gravitas of Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood I hope will avoid it being overly trivialised. I can't wait to see Invictus the movie, rugby and all.
And I'm happy it's November.
[My current quotation notebook's from here - these products are so beautiful, just browsing the site makes me happy and, at last, they are starting to appear in UK stores. I'm planning to start a collection...]
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6 comments:
Hope November is a better month for you. Thanks for reminding us of that classic poem. Great pieces of literature say different things every time they are read.
Looking forward to the movie.
'I am the master of my fate' - how beautifully said. The embodiment of an interior locus of control. Yes - we are what we want to be. Sometimes so hard to remember as we get swept along...
I hadn't heard the poem before. It's very inspirational! I am reminded of Captain, My Captain, as well. Thank you for sharing.
I love the journals, by the way. What a great site!
Why do you like November?
Can I just say to Beverly, well done you for mentioning the internal locus of control. I'm a bit shy to say that whenever I get stuck in psychology exams I always think of internal/external locus of control because it is so pivotal to so many situations and people. In fact I drew on it in last week's forensic exam.
I loved the poem - very gutsy and gritty which is what I can relate to.
Here's to a great November - chin, chin, or, cheers! with a full glass of sav blanc.
Just watching the clip brings tears to my eyes as I remember the moment of victory, for the team and the country, so well. A lovely poem and one that I feel I too can relate to. Love your journal, it's gorgeous and will look at the site to see what other goodies they have. Happy November! It's very special to me cos it bore you!!!
it's a fantastic poem Kendalee. this is an empowering post. Here's to Novemeber....bring it on!
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