Hardworking Number Twelve

HARDWORKING    NUMBER   TWELVE

When the big hand on clock shows  hours,  12 is the max.
12  calendar  months;  and  signs if you  feel  Zodiac’s not absurd.
12 days of christmas and the pear-tree  jammed with  a calling bird,
 French hens, and maybe even a duck that quacks.

The English are responsible for curious money   like 12 pence
In a shilling, and inches in a foot  - doesn’t make much sense.
Would have been more logical with dollars and cents.
And eggs coming by the dozen - even if their number is immense.      

It’s a number widely used  for counting apostles in days gone by,  
As well as Tribes of  Judah, and other guys eating jewish rye.
It’s a show biz number  and  these names will make you sigh - 
TWELFTH OF NEVER  with  Johnny Mathis   singing  real high,

And  especially action-movies of quality  like  DIRTY DOZEN, 
Or  Fonda’s  Shakespearean jury  in TWELVE ANGRY MEN.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Devonshire Avatar
March 29, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Hey, this is a really clever observation, Syd. Lots to ponder here. Wonder why everything seems to be divided by the dozen. A rather witty but extremely informative poem! Thought-provoking to say the least. Love, Carolyn
White Avatar
March 26, 2011 at 6:42 AM
Good write Syd.
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