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Guest Blog – Beyond a Piece of Pie: A Deeper Hunger for Justice

Rev. Franklyn James joins us again for the second part of his two-part guest blog reflecting on PIE day, exploring themes of inclusion, justice and community.

In our last reflection, we wrestled with the instability of justice when left to the whims of political shifts. Policies change with administrations, executive orders are signed and undone, and rights hard-fought and hard-won are too often treated as bargaining chips. We argued that true justice must be embedded in law, beyond partisanship and fleeting platforms. But even as we fight for that permanence, another pressing question remains: who is still left out?

I respond to this question with a warning from John Stuart Mill, who cautioned against a society that suppresses individuality: “People, it appears, may be progressive for a certain length of time, and then stop: when does it stop? When it ceases to possess individuality.” (p. 135). A society that enforces conformity under the guise of progress risks stagnation rather than transformation. Justice requires more than outward change—it demands the preservation of individuality and critical thought.

This is why I offered A Piece of Pie, Please. It continues the discussion from Part 1, expanding the call for justice. It is more than a plea for inclusion; it is a challenge to recognize those who remain unseen, unheard, and uninvited. Advocacy cannot stop at visibility. It must ensure that justice is not conditional, that dignity is not rationed, and that no one is forced to beg for their rightful place. Justice that still leaves some hungry is not justice at all.

Mill critiques shallow change, stating, “We thus take care that when there is change, it shall be for change’s sake, and not from any idea of beauty or convenience; for the same idea of beauty or convenience would not strike all the world at the same moment, and be simultaneously thrown aside by all at another moment.” (p. 135). This highlights the danger of performative shifts, where adaptation happens not for true progress but for conformity, stripping individuals of their unique insights and contributions.

If justice is to be meaningful, it must go beyond cyclical trends and become deeply rooted. Inclusion should not be dictated by political convenience, nor should individuality be sacrificed for the appearance of unity. True justice requires more than token gestures. It calls for an unwavering commitment to recognizing the inherent worth of those who have been historically marginalized. It means ensuring that when people ask for their rightful place at the table, they are not merely acknowledged but welcomed.

A Piece of Pie, Please

In the heart of our town, in the public square,
for a piece of pie, our voices unite.
We stand, bold, though burdened by despair,
For even the darkest days are often devoid of light.

In halls, theaters, and café spots,
from bustling streets to the digital sphere,
on social threads where debates run hot,
in every square, our voices are clear.

Visible, like the midday sun—
shining for all, yet out of reach.
In diverse tongues, we speak as one,
welcoming all, no matter their speech.

Intentional, like the lighthouse’s beam,
far-reaching, steadfast, guiding the throng.
In righting wrongs, we build a team;
our every word and deed proves we belong.

“A piece of pie, please” is our humble cry
in every land where countless voices blend.
Our hearts beat in pride for dreams daring to fly
and a vision shared for freedom that won’t end.

Yet, in the shadows, faces linger unseen,
barred from the table, their fates unknown—
denied a slice for reasons so mean:
citizenship, borders, lines drawn to disown.

In hushed tones and hands reaching for hope,
“A piece of pie, please,” though not free to be.
In foreign lands, they cope incognito,
fearing the notice that will end their spree.

Their stories are woven with threads of pain,
dreaming of a pie they cannot openly share.
In silence, they languish, their hope in vain,
while the world turns too distant to care.

Let’s heed the sighs in the heart of the city,
moaning beneath oppression’s sting.
Dreaming of freedom beyond self-pity—
for them, this pie means everything.

Clear and bold as an artist’s keystrokes,
the plea, “A piece of pie,” resounds not in vain.
It calls not for sameness but to shatter the yokes—
seeking equity, free from disdain.

In our call for “A piece of pie,”
we illuminate paths to love’s universal rule.
Our right to the communal feast they must not deny—
intentional in every step, design, and tool.

In these words, rhymes, and our collective dream,
we rise as one through the changing seasons.
In city squares, under the sky’s broad beam,
we stand united, grounded in reason.

We form a quilt of humanity’s experience,
rich and diverse across genders and orientations.
In all squares, we claim our rightful existence—
claiming our slice of pie, our shared aspirations.

Selection from Shards of Longing by Franklyn James

— Rev. Franklyn James, West River United Church, Cornwall, PE

Franklyn James is a theologian, educator, and storyteller. Committed to justice, transformation, and inclusive education, he challenges both traditional and contemporary rhetoric, fostering critical dialogue. A dynamic professional, he engages audiences with thought-provoking insights on faith, identity, and personal growth. His work inspires deeper reflection, inviting others to explore beyond the surface. Whether speaking on spiritual, social, or creative topics, Franklyn brings wisdom, authenticity, and a powerful presence to every stage.