Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thnk 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) written in 1875 published in 1888 by English poet of the Victorian era.
Reportedly, this was Nelson Mandela's favorite poem, which he recited each day during his confinement on Robben Island. LSJ was honored to visit Mandela's cell during a visit to South Africa; tremendously moving.
The poem was mentioned June 4, 2020 by David C. Banks, President + CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation during a Beyond the Classroom: Resources and Support for Virtual Learning Town Hall (K-12 and higher ed) sponsored by the New York Urban League.
I thnk 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) written in 1875 published in 1888 by English poet of the Victorian era.
Reportedly, this was Nelson Mandela's favorite poem, which he recited each day during his confinement on Robben Island. LSJ was honored to visit Mandela's cell during a visit to South Africa; tremendously moving.
The poem was mentioned June 4, 2020 by David C. Banks, President + CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation during a Beyond the Classroom: Resources and Support for Virtual Learning Town Hall (K-12 and higher ed) sponsored by the New York Urban League.
All of Banks’ students, primarily young men of color, learn this poem as they enter the academy. I invite you to share it with your circles of influence.
What’s your favorite poem or spoken word piece? Post to @lsjnow with your name and social handle so others may be inspired.
