Headless, the Nike dominates the hall. Armless, she manages to hold all eyes; For that clean sweep, fulfilled yet virginal, Answers a prayer no one can jeopardize. Her lovely strength she flings into the void, Smooth as a gull's wing, sharper than a knife, Derelict man can find himself convoyed To open seas, undreamed of in his life. So liberty, sculptured in ancient time, With missing fingers guides the heart of man To tranquil harbors where it's summertime, Though angry seas are all that he can scan. What if the thrilling head and arms are dust? Her vital body's there to claim our trust! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ERASMUS by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON TO WILLIAM WORDSWORTH by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE OWL AND THE PUSSY CAT by EDWARD LEAR ON FEATHER BEDS by JOHN ARMSTRONG THE CATERPILLAR by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD BLACKMWORE MAIDENS by WILLIAM BARNES THE OLD GHOST by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |