Excuse me if I mumble...

         Excuse me if I mumble,

         my mouth is a wee bit new.

         I will try not to grumble.

         These teeth make me spit and spew.

         My words slip, stall, and stumble.

         I'm sorry if words garble.

         The effort makes me humble.

         Words roll 'round like a marble.

         Am I s-so f-frightful?

         D-did your heart skip a beat?

         Stuttering's not delightful

         for a night of trick-or-treat.

         I know my eyes are glowing.

         Candlelight makes them flicker.

         Your eyes mirror my knowing

         breath, and pulse pound much quicker.

         Why does this seem such a shock?

         Am I not c-carved to scare?

         Is it creepy I can talk?

         Shriek, moan, groan, b-boo, beware.

         My flame sizzles and dances.

         My shadow looms grim and gaunt.

         This Jack O' Lantern's glances,

         spooky, are ready to haunt.

         24 lines