X-Marks-the-Spot

X-Marks-the-Spot is a tickling game

Which is traced upon someone’s bare back.

In childhood, we played it and often it caused

A goose-bump filled giggling attack.

 

My kids got the treatment when bathtime arrived

And my grandson when he was a tot,

But it’s been a while since I’ve gotten the chance

To engage in some X-Marks-the-Spot.

 

Yet I came upon Henry, eleven years old,

In the process of donning his tee

And the canvas was waiting for X-Marks-the Spot,

Just the cue for a tickle from me.

 

“I remember this, Nana!” he said as he smiled.

“Can you write down the words?” which I did,

Just delighted to think such a game’s been preserved

From my long-ago time as a kid.