Erin Ash Sullivan - Eat the Pie

Eat the Pie

I’m telling you a true tale from not so long ago
Fourth of July, sun was high, flags waving slow
My whole hometown had gathered for a wholesome day of fun
A big parade, some lemonade, and some games for everyone
I walked on by the egg toss and the children’s happy cries
Left behind the greased pole to a soul with stronger thighs
Cause a table full of cherry pies was where I had to pie
And a tiny voice inside my head was calling out to me

Eat the pie - eat the pie
Don’t care if they might point and stare, don’t let them ask you why
Cause that sweetness brings a sweetness that money just can’t buy
I’m telling you, go on and eat the pie

Now my town’s pie eating contest’s been a point of pride for me
I won it twice in middle school, at 12 and then 13
For a nerdy bookish weirdo who was cut from every team
The thought of winning any ribbon was a kind of fever dream
Now a fully grownup woman should have hobbies I suppose
But eating pie in record time might not be one of those
So I turned away maintaining my respectable veneer
But still a tiny voice went on and whispered in my ear

Eat the pie - eat the pie
Don’t care if they might point and stare, don’t let them ask you why
Cause that sweetness brings a sweetness that money just can’t buy
I’m telling you, go on and eat the pie

And as I hovered by the entrance I found myself impressed
By the existential crisis that had bloomed within my breast
Would I let other people’s shoulds and shouldn’ts riddle me with doubt
Would I give in to what was safe and let the whole world count me out (Don’t count me out)

So I walked up to that table, took my place behind a pie
Some brawny guys twice my size arranged on either side
The town’s Citizen of Note, who was proud to play his part
Shushed the crowd til they were silent, then proclaimed that we could start
The competitors ate valiantly and rushed to cram it in
Rumors ricocheted as people wondered who would win
And caught up in the moment and the crowd’s excited shrieks
I opened wide, shoved the pie inside, with rest inside my cheeks

I ate the pie
The whole damn pie
And the townfolk raised a cheer as I held that blue ribbon high
Cause that sweetness brings a sweetness that money just can’t buy
I’m telling you, if fate provides a chance for you to feel alive
Don’t worry if it’s right for you or what you should and should not do
Say yes and open wide
And eat the pie