an elderly woman I recently met, began to read a poem to me and said
she couldn't remember the author, although it's her favorite poem....I
was wondering if you could tell me who the author is to the following,
incomplete poem? "Out of the night that covers me - DARK is the pit
from pole to pole. It matters not how strange the gait. I am the
master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul."

Greetings Raven!
The poem you seek is called "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley which
was published in 1875.  The full text of the poem follows:

"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."

http://www.wussu.com/poems/wehootn.htm

Sites you may find interesting...

William Ernest Henley - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Henley

Opposing View Points on "Invictus"
http://www.godofthemachine.com/archives/00000309.html

Invictus -- Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invictus


Have a great day and thank you for using Google Answers.

Best,
djbaker-ga

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