Even though I had read this poem somewhere before (I think when I was in Class 4 or 6 searching for a poem for my elocution competition), I read it when my cousin brother Jeeveshu (who BTW is a great brother and the most “self made man” I have met to date [really sorry about the grammar here], even though I am not that close to him, whatever time we shared together was really very good *I may be watching too many drama movies* full on fun) told me about his blog a couple of weeks back. You can read some of his writing at his blog – Jeeveshu Unplugged.

Well, the poem has a special relevance to me right now and only a handful of people know what I am talking about. (I do plan to make a detailed post about it, but only after I make a decision. I know… suspense makes a boring thing fun.)

So, here it is…

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.

[Did you notice this post didn't have a picture? That's enough of a hint.]