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When Clark Kent removes his glasses and remains Clark Kent a runner-up in WWPH’s inaugural spec poetry contest: World Beyond! Congrats to my fellow awardees!

I wrote this poem shortly after Balticon 2026, so likely I found some kernel of inspiration from speculative writing superheroes on the many inspiring panels. I credit Claire Foshee for the assist. (Yes, of course, Krypto can be read as the superdog. What pet parent isn’t addicted to their pup? If there’s a double entendre, currency edition, welcome to poetry. Words can mean ten things here.)

This poem began as its title, perhaps because I always liked Clark Kent better than Superman when I was growing up. Under what circumstances does Clark Kent hold greater power than Superman?

Asked and answered in this poem. In our fragile world, please help me lift up the heroic work of independent journalism. (Thank you, journalists!) We need it every day, but today more than ever.