Dancing on the X

Poem by Todd Williams + Interview

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We hatched no plans 
from the backs of sedans 
nor beneath stuttering streetlights,
secret winks and Pig Latin veiling
a lack of intent and half-hearted promise
that one day we would rule the world.
Not in the way our parents did, 
amid sulfury clouds of cigarette smoke 
and the wintry tint of rum and Coca-Cola, 
but with a wisdom gleaned firmly 
from latchkey summers and school days 
that were more endured than celebrated.
We found our truths bound 
on the backs of Beetle Bailey 
and his ilk, a collection 
of X-ray specs, sea monkeys, 
dribble glasses, and strong defense 
by plastic green army men.