Reclaiming "Invictus"

I'm taking that poem back!

Timothy, I am officially taking
that poem back
it wasn't even yours in the first place
I refuse to let you dirty its name
to hide behind its words
and say that society's to blame.

I take back the poem on Henley's behalf
I take back the poem
on behalf of the craft.

I liberate the spirit
"Invictus"
from this moment.
Reclaim the power of its words
of atonement.

I come "out of the night that covers me"**
to take back the words of triumph
and make them again, a victory.

I want to reach
"beyond this place of wrath &; tears"
and let this nation heal

So, Goddamn it
I'm taking this poem back,
Timothy
I've made it ours again!

--Upon the execution of Timothy McVeigh 6/11/01
**Quoted text taken from "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley.