I make the guard stand in his place, Spur the courier to run his race, The backbone of your backyard’s border, I denote what’s later in the order.

When thunder speaks, I lose my nerve, I blink and stutter, as if unsure. Not out, not on, a pulse obscure, I warn you that your electricity may not endure.

A favorite material for gear in the cold, wash me once, and I look quite old. Described as comfy, cozy, and relatively cheap, I’m shorn from the backs of fluffy sheep.

New York, Detroit, Chicago, St Louis, New Haven, Steubenville, California, Altoona, Philadelphia, and Buffalo are just some of my style, but more likely than not you’ll still enjoy me with a smile.

Tom failed two thousand seven hundred seventy-four times trying to invent this. When you solve this riddle those looking at you may see this, especially if you are a cartoon character. If you seek a clue you will see the answer.