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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.

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.

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.

 

Image: Light Painting By Simon Berger

© 2012, William Ernest Henley. All rights reserved.

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3 Comments

  1. avatar
    Larry Conley
    June 23, 2012 at 2:48 pm ·

    A wonderful poem and something we should all remember!
    Larry Conley recently posted..This Land is Our LandMy Profile

    • avatar
      Melody Haislip
      June 24, 2012 at 5:16 pm ·

      Larry, that’s such an inspirational poem. I don’t think I’ve read it since I was at school. Thank you for sharing it with us. This kind of poem Never goes out of style!
      Melody Haislip recently posted..Chasing Mount HoodMy Profile

  2. avatar
    Dani Heart
    July 1, 2012 at 11:04 am ·

    I don’t think I have ever read this, but I love it. Truly inspirational.
    Dani Heart recently posted..The Hunger Games movie reviewMy Profile

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