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Thirteen, amiss peripheral, beyond

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Western superstition: Thirteen is often seen as unlucky. Many buildings skip the 13th floor, and Friday the 13th is feared in Western cultures.
The Last Supper had 13 attendees, with Judas (the betrayer) being the 13th. Loki, the trickster god in Norse mythology, was the 13th guest at a banquet in Valhalla that ended in chaos and death.
Ancient Egypt: Considered 13 to be lucky—symbolic of spiritual ascension, the final stage of life.
Teens turn 13 and begin the journey of identity and autonomy; the overgrown child, the restless one that just won't sit still, often withdrawn
Mayan Calendar: Time cycles were based on 13-day periods. It represented completeness.
Pagan proverb: Thirteen moons, thirteen cycles, thirteen chances to begin again.”
Lemony Snicket: “Friday the 13th is only unlucky if you forget your umbrella.”

THIRTEEN

Listen to poem:
Elevator! Take me to thirteenth floor! I'm sorry, Dave! I'm afraid I can't do that! Indeed the panel lights skip a beat, Beyond the limit of what one hand can count. Off the precipitous cliff into the valley periphery, Into the shaky, rebellious and withdrawn teens Between childhood, tears and grown-up years. A baker's dozen, a boost to some! Or the Loki or Judas curse of a gate-crasher supper guest. Even the moon tries to squeeze An extra quaff in 12 months of years and 12 hours of days. For the number thirteen is an exceptional outcast It's amiss peripheral, a step beyond.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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