INVICTUS

As we witness very turbulent and tensed global events, we may take poetry as a means to soothe our emotions, we can always use poetry to express our feelings, events and circumstances. It is known that world leaders seek to read poetry for inspiration and comfort and use it as a spare to action. It is also believed that Nelson Mandela during his time in prison recited the Invictus regularly. And so you can also enjoy this beautiful poem.

The invictus actually means unconquerable or undefeated in Latin and was written

by English poet 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 bludgeoning 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.

As we manoeuvre through these challenging times,

Let us keep in mind the power of this poem…to confront adversity and to come out the other

Side of it with the creation of positive change.