Invictus

Invictus ... is the Victorian poem by William Ernest Henley that inspired a nation under Nelson Mandela and a movie directed by Clint Eastwood (which is now playing in a theatre near you). I was watching Charlie Rose interviewing Morgan Freeman on cable today and was so moved by Henley's poem I've posted it here.

Although Avatar is a must see, its massive release numbers and multi-million dollar worldwide marketing campaign has overshadowed other Oscar worthy films that came out at the end of 2009. Invictus is obviously one of them. Guess who's going to see it tomorrow? If you don't have time/money for that read the poem to inspire yourself and check out Charlie Rose's interview with Morgan Freeman - here.

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

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.

Another great reason to see this is the wonderfully talented and versatile Matt Damon plays the rugby captain Francois Pienaar.