when punctuation becomes a state

i am

but a comma,

curved, curled, curt- 

an accented checkpoint

'please pause before proceeding'

'did you leave anything behind?'

'you have travelled thus far'

'there is more waiting for you'

'please continue'

i am a delay

no- haste, no- hurry 

(you will eventually arrive at the end)

a mere indicator

a polite gesture

wondering what is it i am delaying you from,

with advancing towards what lies ahead?