Soulful Inspiration

On rainy days like this, I look for inspiration in my collection of art and quotes I love on Pinterest.  Today I found and am totally into William Ernest Hemsley's poem Invictus.  I've read the poem before, and I've seen snippets of it quoted here and there, but for some reason - it's nested itself in my heart this go around. It's so full of strength and enduring spirit.  I'm hooked and I'm printing this out and putting this poem on my wall this instant.  Right now.  Really - truly.  The icing on the cake are the beautiful works of fine art (see below) that I think perfectly frame the poem. (Sigh)

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 Hemsley

w. 1875; p. 1888