John Nixon, Jr. September 28, 2009

Pie

Authors of antique recipes
Encouraged larceny. Take so
And so, they brazenly advised,
Thereby dismaying farmers, grocers,
Game wardens everywhere. Take four
And twenty blackbirds, cooks were told—
And moralists had to admit
The heist made all the kingdom happy.
Watching their monarch slice that pie,
Then hearing the impromptu chorus,
Even blasé republicans
Applauded majesty, cuisine.

Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

Advertisement
Advertisement

This article also appeared in print, under the headline "Pie," in the September 28, 2009 issue.

John Nixon, Jr.

John Nixon’s poetry has appeared in The New York Times Book of Verse, Reading Rooms and the poetry volume of the Mississippi Writers series.

Don't miss the best from America

Sign up for our Newsletter to get the Jesuit perspective on news, faith and culture.

The latest from america

Imtiaz Cajee, nephew of Ahmed Timol, poses with his book about the activist on Aug. 24 in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa. (AP Photo, File)
New ruling on 1971 death of South African anti-apartheid activist may bring belated justice
A judge has overturned a finding of suicide and ruled that Ahmed Timol was murdered by South Africa’s Security Police 45 years ago.
Anthony EganOctober 23, 2017
Activists with Planned Parenthood demonstrate in support of a pregnant 17-year-old being held in a Texas facility for unaccompanied immigrant children to obtain an abortion, outside of the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017.
Texas bishops criticize ACLU’s support for teen immigrant’s abortion
Texas bishops: "No one -- the government, private individuals or organizations -- should be forced to be complicit in abortion."
Catholic News ServiceOctober 23, 2017
How can the church and laity work together to promote ‘Amoris Laetitia’?
It is time for the laity to speak out and act like true disciples of Christ in spreading the joy of the Gospel. 
Thomas J. ReeseOctober 23, 2017
Pope Francis speaks from the Vatican as he addresses Canadian youths in a video message that was included in a Salt and Light Television program on Oct. 22 (CNS photo/courtesy Holy See Press Office).
Pope Francis: The church needs young people so that “no one should be rejected”
“The world, the church, are in need of courageous young people, who are not cowed in the face of difficulties," the pope said.
Michael J. O’LoughlinOctober 23, 2017