In Coney Island

The Fourth’s the day for fireworks
And barbecues and beer,
But there’s another custom
That takes place but once a year:

The hot dog eating contest!
And the champs are all prepared,
While only those insane enough
To challenge will have dared.

The five-time winner, Joey Chestnut,
Weighing just 210,
Devoured sixty-eight last year
And wants to win again.

The female best contestant,
Soaking wet one hundred pounds,
Ate forty-one, complete with buns,
A number that astounds.

To watch them stuff their faces
Is a most amazing sight.
It’s silly, crazy and, to me, 
Pure grossness at its height.

Yet people love to watch and cheer
To see who’ll wear the crown,
Though mostly they are hoping
Not all hot dogs will stay down.

The hot dog number I’ll consume
Today will add to zero,
But Coney Island soon will crown
The proud new hot dog hero!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Debole Avatar
July 7, 2012 at 6:34 PM
Hi Ilene - You are such a fantastic poet. Another great entertaining poem! I heard about this on the radio last week. I heard that Joey dunks the rolls in water so that they are easier to eat? Sounds even more gross to me!
Song Avatar
July 7, 2012 at 6:09 PM
Congrats to all the fabulous faces with large mustard traces....on their blouses! Eileen, do you live in Cinci? I have been to this Coney Island a few times in my youth...You penned a fun poem on the event...You beat me to the punch...I wanted to read some of your poems today and you got to my page first! hahaha....gwendolen
Horne Avatar
July 5, 2012 at 4:22 AM
LOL, I think that would put me off hotdogs for life! Congrats on all your wins : )
Onclaud Avatar
July 4, 2012 at 10:51 AM
a delight to pass by and read this poetic treat, ilene.... your take on the theme is extraordinary!.. one hotdog, please!...:) huggs!
Lucas Mcclure Avatar
July 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM
It was a pleasure to read your work today! Lori
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