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 (1849–1903)

On Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela, a prisoner, recited the poem to other fellow mates and was empowered by its message of self mastery. Just imagine those 9000 days he spent there and came out victorious in the and changed history forever.

I hope it shows you the light as well. Happy New Year :)