'Invictus' by William Ernest Henley (The poem Nelson Mandela recited while in prison)

"Invictus" is an adjective in Latin meaning 'unconquerable/ invincible/ undefeated or unsubdued'. 'Invictus' was the poem recited by late Nelson Mandela while he was imprisoned for 27 long years. This poem gave him courage and strength to endure those miserable years inside a matchbox like cell.

This poem has inspired many great people like Nelson Mandela, Roosevelt. And continues to inspire many others because of the feeling it incites that you alone can control your fate, you alone know what is best for you and you alone know which path you choose. It is a poem that's strong at heart and strong-headed.

What do you think? Read on and decide for yourself.

Out of the night that covers me,Black as the Pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may beFor my unconquerable soul.In the fell clutch of circumstanceI have not winced nor cried aloud.Under the bludgeonings of chanceMy head is bloody, but unbowed.Beyond this place of wrath and tearsLooms but the Horror of the shade,And yet the menace of the yearsFinds, 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.