Noteworthies: Invictus

If you're reading this and you have not seen the movie Invictus, then you should take this moment to make your to-do list just a little bit longer. It's definitely worth the time.

The title, however, is based on William Ernest Henley's "Invictus" - a fiercely empowering piece. In the film, it heals and restores a man's spirit so that he might set into motion a plan that would not only rekindle a sense of patriotism but would also mend the rifts between a people, wrought by their own doubled-edged animosity.

The power of words is astounding. Too often, they callously destroy in a moment's fury. But sometimes, on those rare occasions, they come together in such a beautifully inspiring way that it would be doing the world a disservice not to 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.