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 Henly
I saw the movie that shares a title with this poem yesterday. I’d never come across the poem before, so I decided to look it up and read it. I like the words of the poem, they speak to me of strength of spirit and self ownership. My life is full of confusion, and this poem encourages me to face it without fear.
A lot of people should learn to face life without fear. It doesn’t matter what mistakes you make, or what unfair circumstances life throws you. You are the master of your own fate, you are the captain of your own soul. Next time you feel fear, confusion, distrust, frustration, anger, sadness, or another dark emotion, read this poem and let it encourage you, let it left you up. Then, raise your head, put your shoulders back, stand up straight and walk forward in life without fear. Set your course, keep your eyes on your dreams, and be your own master and captain. Katie 8-29-2010
