In Praise of Pie

There’s a popular, wintery, Christmassy snack
that has its own magic that other foods lack.
If you don’t want to eat yours, then I would be willing,
with its pastry outside and its heavenly filling.
Some people don’t like them - I cannot think why!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie!

Presents and cards are an all-the-year thing,
as people have birthdays in summer and spring.
You get chocolate at Easter and fruitcake in May,
and crisps can be eaten on any old day,
but one thing will vanish once winter goes by:
it's only at Christmas you get a mince pie!

Though sold in October, it’s best to remember
these pies should be kept till the first of December:
things stop seeming special, I’ve frequently found,
when I get to guzzle them all the year round,
so I save mine till Advent (or, anyway, try),
as it wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie!

They’re usually veggie – well, that’s a relief!
They used to be stuffed with minced lamb or minced beef.
If you think that sounds odd, then this is much stranger:
they’re shaped like a baby asleep in a manger!
So, call me disgusting, but I cannot lie -
I love a good, baby-shaped, juicy mince pie.

It's the seasonal treat that just can’t be replaced!
With its treacly, gingery, cinnamon taste,
its spicy fruit centre, its buttery crust,
it's less of an option and more of a must!
It's an English tradition we cannot let die,
as it wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie!