Punctuation & Grammar: Ode to a Semicolon

Ode to a Semicolon ;

Oh winking eye of type-written notes,

Your value is misunderstood; you’re often ignored.

It is you—and not the comma—on which I dote

For stoically replacing the but, and, or or ;

For joining sentences with linking adverbs with ne’er a gloat.

You are laid against words with flare; placed gently for pauses.

Not easily flung about the page with beauty-queen drama

Like the overused and overtaxed comma.

You and you alone are there to separate my independent clauses

Such as “This is the end of the poem; please ignore the flaws.”