Dance round the maypole, rappers and mummers Stepping in and out of time. Cockeys, Brummies, Tykes and Geordies Players in this pantomime. From Notting Hill to Tyneside's Mela Marching ghosts of colliery bands. Farmer's markets, high tech sweatshops Such a 'green a pleasant land.'
In an English country garden, "Clearing the land.. exurban man.' Puddings made with bread and butter The lash of the whip and rhyming slang Speakers corner, Miners' Welfare Images all juxtaposed, With this patchwork panorama You have to laugh, "Do they mean us?"
Lager louts and laddish culture St. George's cross upon your pate. John Bull in Beau Brummel's waistcoat Knuckles tatooed love and hate. Schizophrenic, new age, new man Bite your lip, don't make a fuss. The malaise of "The English Patient" You have to laugh, "Do they mean us?"
"Oop North" where they bathe in gravy Sarees seen on cobbled streets Down south it's a top coat warmer 'Kiss me quick' on Margate beech. English blood runs mild and bitter Adam's ale or council pop? Refugees, asylum seekers Multi-racial melting pot.
Such inherent contradictions A crisis of identity Are the smiles all disingenuous? Quote English eccentricity. From Lands End up to Kielder Water All "make believe" and "just suppose." Given the "whole sink and puddle" In the end, "Do they mean us?"