Use of Punctuation in "Minor Miracle" by Marilyn Nelson

I never take notice of titles, I do not like how they guide our thoughts, so I had no expectations of what was to come when I first read this poem. 

The ending took me by surprise.

This is why I reread one more time.

The punctuation was the reason why I read it five more times.

Punctuation is my favorite part of reading and writing poetry. It can set the rhythm, create the mood and do so much more.

The use of punctuation in this poem by Marilyn Nelson, especially between the lines "And sped off" (11) to "of martial arts techniques"(23). Enjambment, caesuras and full stops are present creating a sense of fear and military tactics while the two friends "made fists" (18) to deal with the young white man coming out the truck. 

The first few lines after "And sped off" (11) move fast. No caesuras break the "clear blue afternoon"(14). Enjambment gives the sense of serene bike ride. Then when they first come to understand that the vehicle returned the line breaks with a comma. Then an entire line is broken twice, "We stopped, closed ranks, made fists"(18) making it a three-step process. It gives the sense of military orders. It creates fear, as each statement breaks till the other follows. This is my favorite line of the poem. 

It really disturbs the serene bike ride and creates thrill and tension. I was expecting a fight. I was not sure what will happen. It really grasped my full attention.  Then the next line: "It was the same truck. It pulled over." (19) intensified these feelings. 

I became very engaged with the poem at this point.

Then the driver says he is sorry and drives away. I think perfectly destroying the mood of the previous lines. 

I was amazed and pleased by the use of punctuation.