THE PERIOD
AND
THE QUESTION MARK

Once upon a time a Period and a Question Mark found themselves almost right next to each other. This is rare, but sometimes it happens. They are serving different life sentences.

And sometimes when they meet each other – the result is stress. Sometimes it’s an argument. Sometimes the communication process gets confused or mixed up.

The Period says, “It’s the Question Mark's fault for these mix-ups. Period. That’s it. Question Marks are too open ended – too vague – too unsure of themselves – too liberal. They have to learn how to make decisions – to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Period.”

The Question Mark replies, “Why? Why are you saying that? Why don’t you talk to me and find out why I tend to ask questions?”

The Period answered, “It’s because you don't like the answers. That’s why you keep asking questions. Questions. Questions. Questions. You have to take a stand – be more definitive, more sure of yourself - like me.”

“Well,” says the Question mark, “can’t you see that I’m being true to myself? Can’t you see I’m built like a hook for a reason?”

“Look,” says the Period, “you’re handicapped – going through life with that funny looking hook. Don’t you wish you were nice, basic, simple and clear like me?”

“Wow, Period, you just asked a question. Wow, you can do it. And surprise, I just used 2 periods. And there's a 3rd one. Isn’t it nice when people change and try to understand each other?”

“You're strange," said the Period. “I just don’t understand you. Good bye.”

"Come back? Why are you walking away?" asked the Question Mark. "Are you scared to be with me?"

© Andy Costello, Reflections, 2009