I’m not generally a guy that’s particularly into poetry. Whether this comes from having to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” every Christmas Eve for the past billion years or some other deep-seated psychological trauma, I don’t know. That being said, I remembered hearing a poem while serving in Atlanta that really resonated with me. I recently came across it again; as it is famous, you’ve likely read it before. Nevertheless, I give you “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley (1849 - 1903)
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.
———-
I love this poem. It inspires and strengthens me. Finally, a quote from Elbert Hubbard:
“God will not look over you for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars.”
Until next time!