Funny Numbers

A short poem on a couple of funny numbers

Confusion reigned as the count increased
‘Twas beyond today and nearer to before
What do we do after nine ceased?
For, on the one hand, a lonely finger more

Everyone knew of its existence
As, at any point, there is always nothing
Yet its symbolism escaped a physical presence
How can nothing be represented with something?

Oh, what a relief the decimal system brought
And the zero took on new meaning
The world became an easier place we thought
But it only was a momentary feeling

And then, appeared a new numeral
A funny one, that number seventeen
Familiar to use as digits visceral
When used as exaggeration or figure unseen

Seventeen times, I called you today, the wife says
I panic and grab my phone in fear
But a different truth the phone betrays
Still, I say, ‘I’m sorry, dear.’

Two numbers, one a discovery that beckoned
The other, convenient randomness
Separated by an amount equal to the second
Engaging, charming and devoid of darkness