Gary Bateman Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Author's Note: This is a very unusual narrative poem because of the theme I chose to undertake, namely: "Triskaidekaphobia," which is a special word that depicts "Fear of the Number 13." I had to really think about this word and do some research on it, before I proceeded ahead with my narrative write here. This poem, by way of its unusual theme, amply describes the meaning of this seventeen-lettered word, and its involvement and application concerning how hotel floors in hotels are planned and layed out, and the inherit superstition surrounding actually having a "13th Floor" in any hotel. A very interesting poetic theme to write about. Enjoy my reflection and depiction here on "Triskaidekaphobia." As with many poems, this one has something to think about. Enjoy the poem!! (Gary Bateman - May 21, 2020) (Narrative)

Triskaidekaphobia

Triskaidekaphobia

And so, you have “Triskaidekaphobia” on your mind.
Indeed, fear of the Number “13” does have a real and
a certain palpable feel and meaning for people who
harbor this particular phobia and carry it with them in
their lives. With triskaidekaphobia, superstitions abound
regardless of any rational explanations that are proffered
in western societies. The history of mankind is rife with
superstitions and old wives’ tales dating back through
the centuries as human societies grew and evolved over
time and became more or less sophisticated by their own
enculturation processes.

Nevertheless, next time you’re on an elevator you may
notice that a button for a “Thirteenth Floor,” doesn’t
exist, and that Floor 12 progresses to Floor 14. And,
with a “Floor 13” being non-existent, this may give a
person, a pause for a moment, with a certain mental
flavor of the phantasmal aura about everything that
surrounds a “Floor 13” existing and being listed on the 
elevator’s button-panel selections—let alone even being
mentioned at all.

Sometimes the slack in this oddity of the floor numbers
may be deflected with a listing for the “Mezzanine” that
is an intermediate second floor that’s open to the ground
floor by a stairwell. It’s also worth mentioning that many
old hotels in the past that still exist today were built with
the inclusion of a “Thirteenth Floor.”

What to do? Do nothing. “Triskaidekaphobia” will exist
regardless, and this phobia, among many others, will help
to keep psychiatrists employed, occupied, and busy with
all of their various professional endeavors.

When in doubt, just remember that the “Loch Ness Monster,”
a la “Nessie,” does, in fact, really exist. And, never push that
button for that “Thirteenth Floor,” or else . . . !       

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
November 29, 2018 (Narrative)

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Sara Kendrick September 20, 2020 at 3:11 PM Creative work. Not superstitious but some people are. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart May 21, 2020 at 12:17 PM Enjoyed this! My muse played around with triskaidekaphobia a few months back, I don't believe anything post worthy came of it. I personally do not suffer; 13 was my broker number as a bicycle messenger for 19 years. ;), Have a lovely day! ~mo Gary Bateman May 21, 2020 at 12:28 PM Hello Pigeon!! Many Thanks for giving my Triskaidekaphobia narrative a read. I stumbled into this word and its meaning by accident while I was finalizing other poems for my upcoming second book of poetry. Personally, I don't worry about the Number 13. It's all superstition in the end. But I did like how this theme unfolded for me while putting this poem together. Cheers and Best Always, Gary