Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth -
Now what is more hapless than that?
In front of Jack Jumper they crossed the street -
Crossed calmly, and that was that.

Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth -
What but bad luck could follow black cats?
"I mustn't stay out - some misfortune I'll meet,"
Said Jack Jumper; and that was that.

Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth
Forced Jack Jumper to stay home all day;
Yet the next morn he found he had reason to weep -
Missing work had cost him his pay.

"Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth!
Oh, bad luck is not to be evaded;
For though I did my best," he groaned through his teeth,
"My luck's dashed and my hopes have faded!"

Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth
Made the fourteenth all dismal and gray;
When an old man asked Jack what had caused him such spleen,
Mr. Jumper had one thing to say.

"Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth!
They've caused me such sorrow and strife."
And he poured out his tale to this man on the street
Of the cats that had ruined his life.

"Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth,"
Mused the wise old man with a smile,
"I see; but I can't say I think in the least
It's their fault your luck's hard for awhile.

"Thirteen black cats on Friday the Thirteenth!
Blame them, if you must, for your fall;
But in this sorry matter all the bad luck I see
Is you trusted in bad luck at all."