Like most millennials, I came across the poem in a scene from the movie 'Coach Carter' where a basketball coach tries to instil values and morals in his ruffian basketball team under pressure from the school and parents to win, at any costs. Carter, not caving to the pressure and required the ream to be able to perform academically in order to play. The team, ultimately, sees value in Coach Carter's method and thank him. One of the students recites this poem to him in thanks. I love the gem of truth in this poem that our deepest fear is that we are 'powerful beyond measure', but instead of embracing our power, as human individuals, we prefer to conform and fit in. Sad, but true.
I came across this poem watching the movie 'Invictus' which is a biographical film about Nelson Mandela and his post apartheid endeavours to bring a divided South Africa together through sport - in particular, rugby. Mandela sends this poem to the Captain Francois Pienaar before the Rugby World Cup Final as an inspiration. Mandela said that his poem is what got him through some of his darkest days on Robben Island Prison for political prisoners during apartheid. The words of this poem are just phenomenal and strike a special cord in my heart. Enjoy. The photo was taken by me at Ilfracombe in Devon 3 years ago. I thought the rainbow created a lovely allusion to the hope provided in the words of the poem.
This is one of my earliest influential and favourite poems. I came across it in Dean Koontz's book, 'Hideaway' and it resonated with me. By the time I had come across this poem, both my uncle and cousin had committed suicide and death was a very tangible thought in my mind. Not something I wanted, but something that I realised was inevitable and not to be feared. The art is by an artist that I cannot quite recall the name of - I will update this as soon as I come across his name.
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