Interview with an Exclamation Point
Miss Exclamation Point, thank you
for coming to this interview.
Let’s talk today about your life,
the sources of your joy and strife.
Today—No, every day—I’m tired.
Without reprieve, I am required
to punctuate line after line
for those who think I am divine.
Do you derive no sense of pride
from knowing writers far and wide
make use of you repeatedly?
Do you not wish yourself to see?
This may sound strange. I feel abused.
These modern writers have refused
to cease their reckless use of me.
I should be used—but sparingly.
These wayward writers, please advise.
They will adhere if they are wise.
To you who inundate your writing
with ME, this charge may seem quite biting:
Don’t use me as a substitute
for words well-chosen. Be astute
when strong emotions need expressing.
Stop using me as window-dressing.
Thank you for being here today.
May your advice come into play
each time we lift our pens to write,
and may our use of you be slight!
Copyright © Janice Canerdy | Year Posted 2025
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