Invictus

Out of the night that covers me black as a 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 bloodied 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 straight the gate how charged with punishments the scroll

I am the captain of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley