The Fast, The Strong and The Willing

Cultural commentary on heroism, Rhyme Royal, Iambic Pentameter

If conchs are given only to the fleet
And Nike only smiles on Hercules
With laurel crown and palms beneath his feet,
Then all our hopes are metered in degrees
Proportioned by our capabilities.
And wherein lies the fountain of our glory
That gushes forth our deeds in epic story?

Do Titans ravage now within our land?
And what cycloptic beast is left to kill?
Heroic quests appear less in demand.
Yet victory remains an unchanged bill,
Not merely what I can - but what I will.
And therein lies the fountain of our glory
That gushes forth our deeds in epic story.

Note: Conch shells, palm, and laurels were rewarded as tribute to victors in oplympic games and Nike was the Greek goddess of victory.