As a single letter

We can’t do much on our own.

But, put a few of us together

And that’s how words are grown.

Some letters can stand alone.

For example “I” and “A”.

But when we’re joined in clusters,

We’ve so much more to say.

We don’t all get along well,

We can’t all stand side by side.

But, placed in proper order

There are words we step inside.

Sometimes letters don’t sound the same.

We have to take it in our stride.

How we are pronounced

Depends on who we stand beside.

Some of us are hushed to silence

And can’t be given voice.

So, no one knows we’re there,

Against our personal choice.

Some words are long and confusing.

Some words are harsh and inflaming.

It’s not the letter’s fault.

It’s those writers who need taming.

We have so many rules to follow.

When to be silent, when to make noise.

We always stand at attention

And try to retain our poise.

Italics weren’t meant for emphasis

Contrary to common belief.

They allow us to lean on each other

To get some rest and some relief.

We get tired like other beings.

We’re not allowed to lie on the floor.

And if we tried to stretch out flat,

We’d be one big underscore.

The pens of writers draw us.

If we’re recognized is chancy.

But when a calligrapher draws us,

We’re all dressed up and fancy.

Because we are so small.

Some people look at us and scoff.

But we’re always on the job.

We never have time off.

We don’t mean to complain.

We love the work we do.

Our greatest pleasure

Is to bring joy to you.

We’ve met the greatest artists

Like Shakespeare and O’Neill.

We guarantee their use of us

Will enrich what you will feel.

There’s one time we don’t compete.

It’s our proudest moment yet.

As you salute us one by one

And recite the alphabet.