These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

13: Sense of Math

To finally make some sense of math,
we need to find the end.
These numbers all along the path
can push the brain to rend.

Dividing 12 by 3 we find,
that 4's the cleanest end.
Divide 13 by 3 in kind,
and Brain finds none to mend.

But add the word, "Remainder" to it,
and braining takes a rest
'cause 3 into 13 can do it,
remainder one's now blest.

Let's go unto the baker's shop.
We'll find 13 at work.
A dozen doughnuts, he can't stop.
He'll 13, and never shirk.

A dozen friends can taste the sweet
Th'remainder blesses host.
A Baker's Dozen brings joy to greet
one's friends, and make a toast.

13 times 3 a meter makes.
13's the Judas kiss.
13 a Friday fearful takes.
Thirteening? What means this?

To 86 the remainder's bad,
but it cleans the slate so good.
"To 13 something" no meaning's had,
the thought makes bad the mood.

13 has a reputation that's mixed.
It's sweet to a baker's wares,
but tasteless when some meaning's affixed
to a phrase where nobody cares.

line count: 32
poetry form: iambic quatrains of sometimes clunky meter
prompt number: 12 (February 12th, 2026)

by Jay O’Toole
on February 22nd, 2026