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.
by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)
Composed circa 1875.
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I love this poem. It’s the first time I’ve ever read it 🙂 So thrilled to find it here – thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you love it. It is very powerful. What makes it more special for me, is the fact that it also played a important role for President Mandela during his stay in Robben Eiland
It is very powerful indeed!