The Thirteens (White)
The Thirteens (White) - meaning Summary
Disorder Behind Respectable Facades
This short, brash poem presents a catalog of sexual transgressions and family embarrassments that undercut social respectability. Angelou uses blunt, colloquial lines and a recurring refrain to expose hypocrisy, generational conflict, and the limits of wealth or reputation to conceal shame. The tone mixes satire and moral bluntness, suggesting that private behavior destabilizes public identity and that attempts to name or judge such acts fall short.
Read Complete AnalysesYour Momma kissed the chauffeur, Your Poppa balled the cook, Your sister did the dirty, in the middle of the book, The thirteens. Right On. Your daughter wears a jock strap, Your son he wears a bra, Your brother jonesed your cousin in the back seat of the car. The thirteens. Right On. Your money thinks you're something, But if I'd learned to curse, I'd tell you what your name is, But there just ain't nothing worse than The thirteens. Right On.
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