Invictus

Yesterday, I got my first letter from Joe in this go round - Part Deux: Back in the Suck. The letter was kind of sad, but for me it was great because he wrote about how much he misses me. We may seem like we're not very nice to each other, and sure, I may call him terrible names while he threatens to kill me in his Guido voice. But man, when we're separated, we turn into big babies. I'm glad he misses me. I miss him too. Aside from that, he wrote about this poem he came across while he was there last time. He said that it's helping him get through the days (he had his 16 mile ruck march last night, not to mention it's storming tonight). I think the poem is pretty badass and wanted to share it. I hope he's doing well. Love him.

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.
-William Ernest Henley
1849–1903