William Ernest Henley (1849 - 1902 / Gloucester / England)

My fiance was killed in a car accident while I was 7 months pregnant. Now I'm a single mother to our 6 mo son, and am just beginning to feel joy again. I recently heard this poem for the first time, and I find myself reading it over and over some days. It helps renew my strength and reminds me not to fear the future.

I love this poem. Out of all the ones my teacher is making us recite this is my overall favorite! ! ! ! ! I wish William was still alive so I could ask him some questions.

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

A testament to the indomitable human spirit!
A promise of hope above all trials.

There is freedom of choice in all experience because ultimately we define our own destinies!

Love the power of the message in this poem!

Paulina D. Sbrocchi

Such a brilliant poem! I once studied this during the Adair Research Classical English Week - made such a change to my attitude to work, and it infected most of my lab!

You could say poetry is the best virus of all ;) (These captcha codes get get awfully ironic sometimes don't they? RTJxGJFF was the worst I've seen!)

this poem means a lot to me, especially the last stanza, which basically says you rule your own live no one can tell you what to do

I also am an amputee and this poem speaks volumes about overcoming all lifes difficulties

This poem gives me the goose bumps every time i read it. A very impactive write...the words simply cut through the heart and leave their mark there for ever.

Inspirational. It makes you understand the character of Nelson Mandela, Maravilloso, Lleno de corage

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

-i aboslutely LOVE this

THis poem is excellent and soulful. words can't describe it