LYRIC POETRY

Comes from the Greek word for ‘lyre’ – a stringed

musical instrument

Expresses emotion/feeling of the poet as opposed to

poems that tell a story (narrative) or poems that are humorous (limerick)

Odes and sonnets are examples of lyric poetry

INVICTUS

Lyric poem

Means ‘unconquerable’

Written in 1875

Author: William Ernest Henley

Movie by the same title released in 2010

Movie chronicles the life of

Nelson Mandela

INVICTUSOut 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 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 captain of my soul.

Plot Summary

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2010/jan/01/invictus-film-trailer