A Pointed Discussion

The Punctuation Points one day,
In the type case where they lay,
Each an earnest pleading pressed
To be ruler of the rest.
Said the Period, “I’m the end
Toward which every line is penned.”
Cried the Comma, “Nay, but me
Printers use most frequently.”
Bragged the Hyphen, “Lo! I stand
With a word in either hand.”
Screamed the Exclamation, “Fie!
All the writers’ force am I.”
Urged the Question Mark in glee,
“Don’t men always ask for me?”
Cried the Colon, “Printers call
Me to introduce you all.”
Semicolon: “Mine the art
To hold differing thoughts apart.”
But the Dash triumphantly
Drove the others to the wall.
“I’m the only Point,” said he,
“That the Authors use at all!”