"Invictus"

On New Year's Day my family and I saw the movie "Invictus." I thought the movie was well directed and the actors did a great job, especially Morgan Freeman! However, what really intrigued me about the movie was the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. Before the movie I had never heard of Henley or his poem, but after watching the film I did a search for the poem online. I'm so happy I read the poem myself because I don't think the movie did it enough justice. While watching the film it was hard to follow the narrative of the poem because there was so much going on in the movie at the same time the poem was being read. Plus I think I got a greater appreciation for the message of the poem after reading it myself and digesting it in my own quiet environment.

The last two lines of the poem made a big impact on me and in particular my fight against cancer. The last two lines are:
"I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."
I feel in my journey fighting cancer I have worked hard to be the captain of my fight. I have always tried to by determined and strong when receiving my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I know it is tough at times to be the master of your fate, especially when fighting a major illness, but I truly believe that when you do take that control and are resilient, you can succeed, at least in one form or another. Whether you achieve peace with yourself, your family or friends, or you are cured, taking control over your mind and heart can lead to positives.

It is interesting to note that the author, Henley, also battled with health problems of his own. According to wikipedia, Henley suffered from tuberculosis of the bone at the age of 12. The tuberculosis resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. I am sure this poem reflects some of his courage and strength he had to have, when he had his leg amputated. The title "Invictus" is actually Latin for "unconquerable" or "undefeated", which is a trait I'm sure Henley knows about first hand. I can only imagine that Henley felt a little bit invincible after surviving and learning to live with an amputated leg. That is really strength in its strongest form.

Here is the poem in full form. I encourage you to read it. I hope you can find the same inspiration I did after reading it. I know this will be a poem I will revisit time after time when I'm confronted with future challenges.
Danielle

"Invictus"

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.

William Ernest Henley