Captain of the pen/eraser.
by Samuel Proof.
I have often said "I do not like short poetry, I want poetry that
is a complete story. A piece with a beginning and a climax and
an end". I will continue to say this. However, when I start this
new series of critiques by telling you "Invictus" By William E.
Henley is a true work of genius, don't think I'll try to get off
the hook with out squirming.
The reason I have singled out "Invictus" for my first editorial
here on the dash is more than the feeling of strength it brings
it's reader. It is also beyond my own infatuation for nautical
imagery. It is actually the history of the poem itself that I
believe is of most important merit.
Henley's own life was a struggle that is easily associated with
the rise of the soulful battle presented in "Invictus". He was
always fighting to be his own Captain, his own 'Master of fate'.
Henley, had a long medical struggle with a tubercular disease
which brought about the amputation of his foot, and kept him in
a hospital some 20 months. It was during this stay that "Invictus"
along with many other hospital inspired poems where written. (
these can be found in ' A Book of Versus')
Henley was however also a very strong editor. As an editor, Henley's
own role is very impressive as a man who produced many strong
writers. It is this editor's personality that I believe makes
Henley's 'Invictus' so powerful.
'Invictus' was not a one time poem spun out while bed ridden from
some dark organ, as many of today's poets would have us believe
of their own works. Yet it was Henley's master as a writer and
editor that brought "Invictus" to it's true mastery.
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