December 6, 2009

 

Victus

after Invictus (by William Ernest Henley)

 

Out of the night that covered me,

beyond the pit that claimed me whole,

I thank The God, alive eternally,

for my free and conquered soul.

 

Beneath fell weight of wrathful stance,

o’erwhelmed my spirit as a cloud;

but He bore the curse upon Himself,

His head was blooded; mine is bowed.

 

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

loomed death and horror of the shade;

thank God He carried all my fears

and in His love I’m unafraid

 

It matters not how strait His gate,

How charged with punishments His scroll;

His blood has saved me from my fate;

He is the captain of my soul.

 

First Draft ~ Other versions