by Eddie Aderne

“Competitive hotdog eaters nearing limit of human performance
A maximum of 84 hotdogs in 10 minutes is possible, says sports science study…
Improvement curves in elite sports ranging from sprinting to pole vaulting tend to follow
a so-called sigmoidal curve, featuring an initial slow and steady rise, followed by an era of rapid
improvement and finally a levelling off. “Hotdog eating has definitely reached that second plateau,”
said Smoliga [a sports medicine specialist].”
—The Guardian

Full seven dozen franks enwombed
By seven dozen buns
In twice-five minutes are consumed
By those heroic ones

Resolved to reach the utmost peak
Of gustatory nerve,
Incurring each thereby a sleek
So-called sigmoidal curve.