When Tillie Ate The Chili

When Tillie ate the chili

she erupted from her seat

she gulped a quart of water

and fled screaming down the street



she coughed

she wheezed

she sputtered



she ran totally amok

she set a new world record

as she raced on the block



Tillie’s mouth was full of fire

Tillie’s eyes were red with tears

she was smoking from her nostrils

she was steaming from her ears



she cooled off an hour later

showing perfect self-control

as she said, “What tasty chili

I should like another bowl.”