Sense Sonnet - Tickler

Bad Breath

At a literary event,
Mark Twain was seated with a bore,
Who with a grandiose intent
Monopolized as orator.
This chatterbox claimed expertise
On all matters of life and death.
He jumped into fatalities,
And didn't stop to catch his breath.
Hope for the end brought no avail,
As Twain and others sighed and yawned.
The bore said, "Each time I exhale,"
"A poor soul goes to the beyond."

Mark Twain jumped in, "Sir, here's a hint -"
"Why don't you try chewing a mint?"