I can't help but remember a Spanish joke where some of society's outsiders are huddled around a well. Transfixed, they are gazing inside and slowly chanting "twenty seven, twenty seven, twenty seven, twenty seven..."
A passing stranger is struck by the sight, becomes curious and makes his way over. He steps up to the well's edge so he too can look down.
A tapering cry is released followed by the faint sound of a splash. The chant changes:
"twenty eight, twenty eight, twenty eight, twenty eight..."