Prince Harry presenting
I N V I C T U S
G A M E S
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - MAY 09: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visits Sportcampus Zuiderpark as part of a programme of events to mark the official launch of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 on May 9, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands.
(Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
As I viewed the presentation, listened to the words of Prince Harry, conveyed and referenced to, "INVICTUS," brought into clear focus was the theme of the presentation, and the heart behind the program offerings . Touched for a myriad of reasons, I came to shed a tear of gratitude and an embracing joy. INVICTUS is a poem that for several decades has been an inspiration to me, and when shared with students of the APOGEE Paradigm™, has been equally impressive and inspiring. It is a poem penned by William Ernest Henley, 1849-1903, in response to his knowing spirit beyond pain and loss.
As you read Henley's words, as you view the presentation, feel the strength, the power, the spirit, the faith, that INVICTUS brings to BEING.
INVICTUS
BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
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.
Respectfully,
And so I implore...WHO...
W H O
Who heeds the words of this poet
Who listens to these echoes of heart
Who feels the yearnings and the fire
Who sees the vision held clear
Is it the wind that whispers its own song
Is it the sun that warms and nourishes
Is it the moon that sheds its light
Is it the star that guides our way
Is it the seeker that searches for meaning
Is it the stranger who extends a hand
Is it the child who gives a knowing smile
Is it the heart in its pulsing quest
Is it the soul in its moment of call
Is it God in all present grace
Who heeds the words of this poet
Who listens to these echoes of heart
Who feels the yearnings and the fire
Who sees the vision held clear.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
The Word complete
A single letter it be
You claim it as your own
As, too, to others it be known
Followed by two letters, and all is told
'Tis You and the Creator, each to behold.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Founder/Director
APOGEE Paradigm™
