Lucky Number 13
Today is my Birthday
Memories of holding a winning Bingo card at St. Timothy’s Friday night church bazaar
The fat man at the mike calls “B-13” Lucky #13
13, so lucky, Otis Elevator Co. nearly forced to omit 13 from their stops
Today on this 13th day of June I wake in San Juan as the morning dove sings “Happy Birthday to me!”
Father Junipero Serra’s spirit looms over the Mission courtyard in the center of the town square
far away from the mention of any triskadekaphobic fears
no citings of 13 floor buildings
no malookia 13 Spirits to cast bad luck spells
no ah too bad you’re born on the 13th
Instead it’s today a lucky 13 day
wrapped in morning dove’s Happy B-day song
telling me this is my “go get ’em Tiger Year”
Hugged in the arms of this sleepy California Mission town
2 thoughts on "Lucky Number 13"
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Happy birthday! 13 really is a lucky number 🙂
Also, I love how you included triskadekaphobic in this poem. Phobia words are so fun!
Happy Birthday Darlene! Sounds like your Tiger year has begun and you are in flight now with the morning dove cheering you! I really like the declarative voice of this poem!Thank you!