Hot Dog!

On the 4^th of July, there are fireworks shows
And barbecues, picnics and beer,
But there’s a tradition not everyone knows
For which only a few volunteer.

It’s a contest to see who can gobble the most
Hot dogs, eaten together with buns
And the winner, with trophy, gets mostly to boast
He can do what the average guy shuns.

The champ, Joey Chestnut, secured a new win,
His 12^th victory, pleasing his fans.
With his mouth opened wide, he did shovel them in,
Though his numbers fell short of his plans.

In just 10 minutes’ time, there were 71
That were chewed and made way down his throat,
Though last year it was 74 (each with bun);
Still, his effort got everyone’s vote.

As a watcher from home, I admit that, to me,
The whole contest is utterly gross
And I surely expected that on the TV
Some contestant would be comatose.