Millie and Me

Soul Captain

"I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

Words of power.  These are the closing lines of Invictus, written by William Ernest Henley in 1875, after having his leg amputated.  It's a poem of darkness, and of triumph over that darkness.  It resonates with me for many reasons -- not the least of which is my own struggle with PTSD.  More on that later; I'm still figuring it out myself.  

My beautiful cousin, who has faced her own challenges, introduced me to this poem.  The strength and determination in these lines hit me like a truck -- and I just knew I had to pass them on in any way I could.  So for those of you who have faced hardship or who are struggling to overcome obstacles now, here are words of power and hope.  And if you know someone who could use them, please share.  

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. 

I made this talisman for myself; you can find yours here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/98640844/soul-captain-necklace-invictus-william
https://www.etsy.com/listing/98641340/soul-captain-necklace-invictus-william?ref=v1_other_1
https://www.etsy.com/listing/98641458/soul-captain-necklace-invictus-william?ref=v1_other_1