Jules Rimet

Stolen, 'widely believed to have been
melted down and sold'.
As if Nike could be stolen.

What they didn't, couldn't know
was her transubstantial presence
                                in the trophy.

Where is the victory
when children are worked
to the bone in her name?

Wings melting with shame
she condemned herself,
          stole away to Hades

The skin untouched
the gold shedding
                     like a candle

never stolen, her value to the world
dropped like a dress
                   on a wedding night.