The Art of Chewing Gum

Many arts there are    but none
More difficult    more painstakingly done
Than the ancient art of chewing gum
Describing process of the work's refinement quite impossible

Sculpture gum's a fickle medium
The chewist must he have fine teeth
Incisors sharp    mind's-eye like a needle
Molars jut    like rubber stamps
To print clear patterns    like a map

Teeth    crucial though they are
The tongue is more important    far
Its tip must narrow to a point
The rest be thin to roll its middle
Fold a deep red floor within

But then    we only talk of tools
Our sculptor must he gentle be
And to a sensitive degree
A nervous mouth in one who drools
Will melt a form    create debris

Gum sculpture's not for active men
One sits    one flips    so carefully
To chew's disaster    don't you see
Coughing?    Spitting?    Burping?    NO!
Don't get lost in a picture show

The ancient art of chewing gum
Drove one man to use a gun
His work was perfect    done with ease
A bust of rare complexity
But then    this sudden    tragic SNEEZE!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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A   Avatar
November 3, 2013 at 12:07 AM
Daver, .:-) Congratulations on having your poem featured on the HOME PAGE.... always~ LINDA
Maverick Avatar
November 2, 2013 at 3:20 PM
Well done on your piece being featured Daver real fun write from you hope your inspiration keeps on flowing..Joe..)
Kapoor Avatar
October 27, 2013 at 10:33 PM
You have given a new color and twist to even Chewing Gum while covers others, which helps to create this amusing art. Quite an interesting write my friend. Hope you must be keeping fine. Love and best wishes…Ravindra K Kapoor
Kendrick Avatar
March 3, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Interesting thoughts about chewing gum..Once enjoyed "Juicy Fruit" ah! now causes jaw pain...It is the reason I have so many cavities when I was young..Thanks for your encouraging comments..Sara
Dietrich Avatar
May 7, 2010 at 3:41 PM
hahaha. what a weird topic. YOu must know alot about chewing on gum. Very interesting though!! As I would expect no less from you! Luv, andrea
Fraser Avatar
June 28, 2009 at 5:21 AM
Never ever thought i would read a poem about chewing gum, but i am glad one has been written, kool write Daver>>James
Foulk Avatar
August 26, 2008 at 11:24 AM
yes the art of chewing gum goes back many years. this was a very cute little piece you wrote and brought a smile to me. thank you for your comments on my so many summers ago. I know where D.U. is I used to go by there all the time. Hope you had a good time while you were out here.
Reynolds Avatar
July 18, 2008 at 3:46 AM
Wow, never thought about how difficult chewing gum is! Guess that's why I find it so hard to walk whilst chewing, right? ha! Loved this creative poem! Kristin
Winter Avatar
July 17, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Were you writing this while chewing gum?? Man, your mind is so creative. Just love how it takes you so many places others simply don't go. I loved this! Great ending! Love, Shar
Pringle Avatar
July 17, 2008 at 8:52 AM
Wow, didn't realize the complexity and art in chewing gum :-)
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