For the warriors out there who are still awake and working at 1:45am on Monday morning, here’s some inspiration to keep you going. This is a spectacular poem by William Ernest Henley written in 1875. The title means “Unconquered” in Latin. When I read this poem I get chills, the hair on my arms stands up and I feel the need to either kill something or create something.
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.
everytime I read it, It lifts my spirit and gives me strength. much admired, but mcveigh has given it a bad rep.
Commented on November 6, 2009 at 7:53 am
I had never heard of the word until I read the movie review in the NYTimes two days ago. Even then I didn’t know the word was a poem title until I say the movie yesterday. Looking the poem up on-line brought me to your website. Very good poem and I also highly recommend the movie
Commented on December 14, 2009 at 3:51 am
Exquisite and to hear Morgan Freeman share it, gave it a eloquence that echoed emancipation. It reminds me of the poem “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay which is Powerful.
Commented on December 23, 2009 at 9:33 pm
The best is yet to come in 2010. Mdibe has been my mentor and insprirational hero for a long time.
Morgan Freeman was “providenced” (doing what you are born to do)Just as Mandela was providenced to inspire & strengthen the masses who cannot see any hope for their future!!!!!
Commented on January 4, 2010 at 8:44 pm
when I began to complete My formal education in 1993, I just knew that there was no stopping me.. When Mdibe, was incarerated for 27 years and then released, one of the 1st conferences he attended was in Los Angeles. I WAS THERE!!!!! i THOUGHT TO MYSELF “WHAT TENACITY, & such humility. I, then knew that nothing on this earth could stop me, maybe hinder me, just a little, I was afraid that I could not compete with my classmates.. but as a black middle-aged woman I was determined to take a chance on myself.Lo-self worth and all. I completed my A.A. in 1996 (2.7) GPA. in 2002 I began my B.A. @ Chapman U. completed in 2006 while being failed 2x in 2years at my last class because I wanted to discuss & enlighten the world about the recent peer reviews in Ebonics. Ultimately, I graduated with a 3.7 G.P.A from CU with a B.A. in Psych. I imediately challenged the system went to my guidance counsleor & she invoked a can-do infectious spirit in her stellar recommedation for my admittance to the Educational Counsleor, P.P.S,. credential programbefore my other degree had been posted!!!!!! I walked on Saturday June 2, & began a credentialed program for the 1st time in University of la Verne;s history on that Monday in June of 2006. Completed program & graduated with a 3.8 GPA in August of 2008. Now if that is not parrallel to INVICTUS infectious inspiration & motivation for a 61 year old black woman I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS :0) I was born to do what I DO. (DIVINE PROVIDENCE) TO INSPIRE, CONNECT, MOTIVATE OTHERS WHO THINK THEY CANNOT !!! & THOSE WHO DO NOT THINK TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE…I am an At-risk guidance counselor NOW at 62 & luving every minute of it!!!!!!!!SELah
Commented on January 4, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I love this poem, and like others here didn’t know of it exactly. I had heard it as a little girl. The other night Morgan Freeman was on PBS Charlie Rose and he recited it from memory (he already knew it, way before the movie) it was wonderful and magical !
If one keeps reading it over and over it has such power! Mponyi is right, THE BEST IS YET TO COME !
Commented on January 14, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I saw this movie today and was blown away by the power and the message it delivers. I am a South African living in Sydney Australia, and have been since 1999.
Now this film brings a longing for my country and for Madiba, if only there was no crime this would be God’s own country.
Commented on January 26, 2010 at 12:42 am
its exciting to realise the extent of inspiration you get from a single poem. i saw the movieand just had to search for the poem to understand the inspiration behind it.
truth be told there’s a God in heaven who’s master and commander of our lives and if you’re willing he’l take you to greater lengths to prove your worth. i can do all things through christ who strengthens me!!
Commented on January 29, 2010 at 12:18 am
Why the heck would this want you to kill something?
Commented on February 3, 2010 at 9:18 am
The poem is really inspiring !!!
Commented on February 18, 2010 at 9:56 am
I saw the movie “Invictus.” I was overwhelmed to say the least. I have seen the movie six times already and can’t wait until it comes out on DVD. I purchased the soundtrack. I think this film is going to be one of the best films Clint Eastwood ever produced and directed. I hope every American will see this movie. I have sent an email to everyone I know to see the film. I talk to strangers about seeing this wonderful film. It has inspired me to research Nelson Mandela, aparthied, and Rugby. What a film! The best I have ever seen. True stories are so inspiring and refreshing to watch. Americans need a good inspirational movie at this perilous economic time in history.
Commented on March 1, 2010 at 9:24 pm
When I came across the word “Invictus”, I wondered what it meant. When I came across the meaning, I wondered what it referred to — Mandella’s unconquerable spirit perhaps which never ceased to become hopeless. But now I know, that Invictus is not about a particular person as such but about that eternal fountain of poetry, truth and beauty which continues to live in people’s souls, not ever defeated on the face of adversity.
Commented on March 2, 2010 at 9:08 pm
I long for another Invictus, South Africa has forgotten all that the nation’s father Madibe stood and fought for. We now need to emulate him in our struggle to push for fairness, eduation and equality for all in what could be God’s own country, so beautiful it is.
Commented on March 5, 2010 at 12:54 pm
It was all inspirational – learn about the Poet and his life as well – what an inspiration in and of itself: At the age of 12, Henley became a victim of tuberculosis of the bone. A few years later the disease progressed to his foot, and physicians announced that the only way to save his life was to amputate directly below the knee. It was amputated at the age of 25. In 1867 he successfully passed the Oxford local examination as a senior student. In 1875 he wrote the “Invictus” poem from a hospital bed. Despite his disability, he survived with one foot intact and led an active life until his death at the age of 53. He was a friend of Robert Louis Stevenson – Stevenson based the character ‘Long John Silver’ on him.
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.
Commented on March 7, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I was given this poem and had to know it in high school….the teacher’s rules. anytime anyplace..if he saw you and said invictus….you had to say the poem or you failed 1/4 of your class for the term….years later I was in the Military…I carried this poem with me into battle numerous times…
Commented on March 12, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I too just watched the movie and it was incredible. It truely made me PROUD to be a South African. Goose Bumps indeed!!!
Commented on March 14, 2010 at 9:00 am
I loved the poem “victus” by Peter Rhebergen. THis was his response to the poem “invictus”. One day Everyone, no matter what their beliefs are now, will know who their true Lord and Savior is.
Commented on March 18, 2010 at 3:51 pm
i like it SOOOOO much …
it is so inspirational .
from now on .
this poem will be my inspiration and guide ..
it really makes me touch ..
GOD BLESS ..
Commented on December 4, 2011 at 2:19 am
Great and truly inspirational.
Commented on February 5, 2012 at 12:57 pm
I learned Invictus almost 40 years ago. Since that time it’s always been a source of inspiration for me, especially when I find myself going through a tough time. It always gets me though it.
Commented on March 23, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I heard the poem in the movie and feel that this poem speaks volumes to each individual. 🙂
Love and Light
Commented on May 21, 2012 at 5:21 am