1.
Protector of seafarers in battle, Winged Victory 
waits in a rocky pool, poised on a pedestal 
like a ship’s prow, body braced against 
billows of wind. Marble folds drape
a slim form outlining breasts and nipples. 
From her shoulders great feathered wings 
soar suspended, and from her cupped hand 
a shout of victory carries on the wind.

2.
On a different continent centuries later, 
her rose patina still lustrous,
she reigns over a majestic stairway.
A towering figure on her pedestal,
a force pulling all who enter
forward and up the stairs.

3.
Now as in the ancient world
victory is no less sought or celebrated.
Gods of commerce claim her:
a proud mascot at the helm of a Rolls-Royce 
or as Nike, first to cross the finish line,
and against all odds,
in a lavish pool at Caesar’s Palace
promising the shout of Victory to
high rollers waiting for their ship to come in.