Menolyrical; another's words

It's three hours before publish time and I don't have a post ready. This is unusual for me. It feels edgy. I am usually scheduled a couple of weeks ahead. You know. Just in case.

I was concentrating on getting posts done for Aatmaavrajanam (my Vedantic philosophy blog) and kinda let this one slip a bit. At least that's part of it. The other part ... well, I'm pondering that even as I write. Maybe it will get shared tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in preparing the other posts, I was making a reference which reminded me of a poem that has risen to fame in recent times and - perhaps - has been a bit overworked. Or at least the last verse has. That final phrase, though, only really holds its full worth when reading with the whole poem from which it arises. Did you ever consider why this particular poem became the anthem and the cause of the naming of the Invictus Games? William Ernest Henley was, himself, an amputee. The poem refers to the depression and struggle of physical disablement and how it can be overcome by knowing the "I" inside is untouchable and always able.

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.