Thirty Nine Minutes to Nowhere

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John Buchan’s Novel "The 39 Steps" (1915) is a classic spy thriller first published in 1915 and made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935. The plot revolves around Richard Hannay, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy and must uncover the meaning behind the mysterious “39 steps” mentioned in the story.
"I’ll never forget the sight of the wooden stairs and the door at the top. I knew that the place had the 39 steps, but I could see neither them nor the door. The sound of the rain and the wind made everything seem more distant."

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The expression "as you die, your life flashes before your eyes" is rooted in the idea that, in the moments leading up to death, people may experience a rapid, vivid recollection of their life experiences. This concept, often referred to as a "life review experience", has become widely recognized in popular culture, literature, and anecdotal accounts. The phrase gained more scientific traction in the 20th century, particularly with studies of Near-Death Experiences. Many people who have had near-death experiences report seeing vivid memories from their lives in quick succession.

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Listen to poem:

As I look upward at the wooden door labeled 'My Demise', I clearly see thirty-nine wooden steps on the rise. Each step takes a minute to grasp what I'll leave behind, With many memories and thoughts, to recall and unwind. There are just sixty seconds to replay each precious step from my past. Joys and sorrows, loves and losses, with sobs and laughter broadcast. The first memories of childhood, growing up with family and friends. Each a fleeting echo, highlighted in a telephoto lens. Each step a treasure that soothes my weary flaying soul. Building like a jig-saw puzzle to make the picture whole. I'm like an old film editor, cutting and selecting, The scenes of my life, beloved and cherished, collecting. At the top of the stairs with thirty-nine stairs lies the door. As I grab the handle I know: "Time's up!" "There's no more!"

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