“Invictus” is a poem written by William Ernest Henley in 1875. It is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and to triumph in the face of hardship.
The poem begins with the famous lines:
“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.”
The poem goes on to describe the struggles and challenges that the narrator has faced, including “bludgeonings of chance” and “the fell clutch of circumstance.” Despite these difficulties, the narrator remains steadfast and determined, declaring that “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
“Invictus” is a poem that has resonated with many readers over the years, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It has been quoted and adapted in various forms, including as a rallying cry for those facing challenges and obstacles in their lives. The poem has also been featured in popular culture, including in the movie “Invictus,” which tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s efforts to unite South Africa through rugby.
POEM:-
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.
