Comment from Wendyanne

Excellent

Lol you had me fooled with this well written poem and its unexpected ending! I've never carved a pumpkin as it's only recently become popular in UK otherwise I might have guessed the ending. Well done.

 Comment Written 31-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2023

Thanks very much. Don't feel badly; most people who reviewed this in the UK were also fooled.

Comment from Mrs. KT

Excellent

Hello, Jim!
Three attempts to pen this review, and finally I can do so... uninterrupted by obligations!
And, yes, I gathered early on that your well-crafted offering deals with a poor pumpkin. Oh! I feel about carving pumpkins the same was I feel about putting up a real Christmas tree...a softy at heart...
Much enjoyed!

Happy Halloween!
diane

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2023

Thanks, Diane. Good for you!

Comment from Sally Law

Excellent

You had me going to the lowest point, Jim! I figured it out about half way. I am a crime fiction fan and writer, so you understand. I'm relieved though.

Sending you my best today as always, and best wishes for the upcoming contest.
Sal :))

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2023

Terrific, Sally. Well done!

I didn't actually enter it in the contest. I just posted it then realized later there was one.

Comment from PoemsOfDD

Excellent

This is a clever little Halloween poem. I like how the riddle is rhymed to describe a particular type of victim during this strange trick or treat season. Yes, I guessed the pumpkin and the picture confirmed my suspicions. Thank you for sharing this enjoyable read.

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2023

Oh, good for you! Most people needed the picture. Thanks for your great review, Diana.

Comment from Navada

Excellent

This piece is directed to an audience of pumpkins!! I love it!! (And no, sadly, I didn't anticipate that. I needed the image at the end to work it out as I was too busy picturing a serial killer of humans.) This is really enjoyable and fun with such a clever twist, and the tight rhyming scheme gives it pace and liveliness. What a great read!

 Comment Written 30-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2023

Thank you very much for your great review. Most people did not figure it out until the picture, so you're in good company!

Comment from Carol Clark2

Excellent

This is a very clever Halloween poem, written as a thriller. A good warning to all fair pumpkins for the season! I'm glad you included the picture at the end. Have a happy Halloween. Carol

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Oct-2023

Thanks so much, Carol. So glad you enjoyed it.

reply by Carol Clark2 on 29-Oct-2023

Good job on scaring me. Glad I have a few hours before I need to sleep! LOL!

Comment from GWHARGIS

Exceptional

I was grossed out and felt the little hairs of anxiety starting to twitch as I read. Then the graphic hacking. I thought it was going to be about a slasher then the picture changed everything. Well written and very clever. Gretchen

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Oct-2023

Thank you, Gretchen. I debated whether or not to include that picture at the end. I'm glad I did. Thanks for this amusing review and fpr the 6 stars!.

Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell

Exceptional

This is about as violent as I can abide- a perfect Halloween poem- the best I have seen. Your rhyme and rhythm are delightful, and your humor, well intact. I loved it.

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Oct-2023

Thank you so much, Verna, for this wonderful review and the 6 stars too. So glad it amused you.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Those poor pumpkins, but I have a few small ones just for ornaments on my front porch. They have no need to fear from those nasty knives. Thank you for sharing this. It was creative and fun to read.

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Oct-2023

Yeah, we've got a plastic one that we plug in to light up. I haven't butchered a pumpkin of ours in years now, but I confess I did just help my grandson carve his.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Double bubble, toil and trouble, roiling rubble casting double, a perfect poem for this time of the year, now we know what you do this time of the year, you're quite the poet dear friend Jim, a terrific job, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Oct-2023

Thank you, Roy. The idea for this one came the other day while I was helping my grandson carve a pumpkin. I started feeling sorry for the pumpkin!

reply by royowen on 29-Oct-2023

He heh