Just a Number-Maybe Not

Forty, the product of four and ten

Let’s ponder where we’re going

and where we’ve been

Forty, the product of fifty minus ten

 Memories of again and again

or of every now and then

Forty, it follows thirty-nine

hmm, once upon a time

40, the age for celebration

or uninvited depression

40, appears to have a reputation

its significance worth a notation

Yes, for me forty was a good year

I’ve no reasons to shed a tear

 Forty, though you haven’t asked

your future’s not your past

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Reena’s Exploration Challenge Week 40

Certain numbers arouse curiosity. I have always wondered about the special significance of the number 40, across different cultures and geographies.

1. Why 40 days of mourning in Islam?
2. Why 40 days of fasting and prayer in Lent?
3. Why 40 winks of sleep?
4. Why 40 minutes of walking?
5. Why 40 days of rest after childbirth in India?
6. Why the fortieth birthday as a celebration of midlife?
7. Why the depression at turning 40?

-Reena Saxena

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-Eugenia

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