Invictus Without Boarders

William Ernest Henley was 25 and suffered with tuberculosis of the bone. Several years before, his foot was amputated. Now the doctors were considering amputating his other leg. William Henley refused. A pioneering surgeon would eventually save his leg.  

In the midst of those circumstances, William wrote a poem «Invictus» (which means unconquered in Latin). Did he ever imagine that a century later in Africa, this poem would give strength and courage to a political prisoner who stayed behind bars for 28 years? Some words provide the gift of energy our soul requires to overcome the worse situations.

That’s what Nelson Mandela shared with the captain of the rugby team when their victory meant so much for the unity of South Africa – according to Clint Eastwood’s movie which borrowed its title to the poem. Determination and resolve have no boarders.

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.