One of the few nineteenth century poems that move me is Invictus by William Ernest Henley. The poem’s spirit of unflinching defiance can be expressed in more contemporary ways. (Henley’s way is still good.) After one very contemporary way inspired by trees, we end with a quick riff on forms and freedom in poetry.
Tag: invictus
Invictus in 5-7-5
As there is already more than enough grimness in the real world, I usually dislike grim art. The haiku by Poet Rummager that is effectively reblogged below is one that I admire despite its grimness.
At her throat, he pressed
The knife and told her to strip
She leaned on the blade
In response to Carpe Diem Utabukuro #12, I admire Poet Rummager’s haiku for 3 reasons.
- It is so well-crafted.
- It pushes the envelope of haiku subject matter.
- It honors an unflinching spirit, as in William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus.
Whether #1 also applies to my own grim haiku is for others to say; I do have #2 and #3.
Edge of Enlightenment
Behold the abyss
without flinching. If you can,
then you are at peace.
– Gray button (upper left corner) reveals widgets, –
– above post (on phone) or beside it (on desktop). –
– above post (on phone) or beside it (on desktop). –
Mellow Curmudgeon 