The British Song

Poemtopical poem
Written By Jason Conway

Dedicated with two fingers to UKIP

I’m Anglo-Saxon. I’m of German extraction.
I’m a Celt. My blood’s from the East.
I’m Norman, I’m Viking and I came hiking
to the British ethnicity feast.

Yes, I’m British, British, born of the skittish
aftermaths of empires gone.
I’m mixed, multiracial and no PR facial
can take away from the truth of that song.

I’m Muslim, I’m Gurkah, I’m a social worker.
I’m Jewish, I’m royal, I’m black.
I’m a desperate immigrant, an urgent applicant
escaping from torture, attack.

I'm no Nigel Farage. I won't smugly disparage
anyone because I'm afraid.
I've heard Albion calling and find it appalling
when small men take fear on parade.

I’m a Brit, I’m a Brit and anyone’s fit
to take that name with pride as a tag.
I live in a world where one cannot stay curled
hermetically up in a flag.

In the Britain I live in, no one should give in
to hate or abuse or despair.
Whatever my creed, orientation or breed
all that matters is to be kind and be fair.

Yes, I’m British, British, born of the skittish
aftermaths of empires gone.
I’m mixed, multiracial and no PR facial
can take away from the truth of that song.  




These verses were originally written for the Borkowski PR website (where I was poet in residence) some years back to mark the first appearance of Nick Griffin, then leader of the BNP, on the BBC's Question Time. Alas, in the intervening years, The British Song has become ever more relevant, so I am posting it again with the new dedication and a new verse, which borrows a rhyme from the excellent Luke Wright (thanks, Luke! Hope that's OK?).I'm aware, of course, that the idea of Britishness has become less palatable in some quarters, thanks to the likes of UKIP and that vile outfit Britain First in large part, but also because of the desire of many Scots to seek independence. As the son of an immigrant, I did not grow up with the idea of an Empire attached to my sense of Britishness - that had long gone from my understanding of the world. All I saw was an island that embraced the many and various, the multitudes. It struggled with this at times, but it made me (and many others) welcome. I value that beyond measure and that is what I want to celebrate.

Jason Conway

I'm a creative guru, visionary artist and eco poet based in Gloucestershire UK.

I love designing Squarespace websites for clients as well as providing a full range of graphic and website design services. My clients are passoinate entrepreneurs that are making a positive difference in the world.

Clients can hire me for brand and marketing strategy, content research, content writing and content management, social media training and management, blog and article writing, book design, book cover design, self publishing help, packaging design and sign design.

I'm a creative coach helping passionate and ethical business owners to create sustainable businesses geared for a healthy work life balance and helping to break through blocks and regain or maintain focus. I use creativity as a key problem solving tool and motivator.

As an artist is create inspirational works of art for private and corporate clients, from full size wall graphics and installations for offices, conference areas and receptions, to cafe's and restaurants to health and wellbeing centres. Any wall or space can be transformed with large scale art, which is a key motivator for staff and can reduce work related stress. I also accept private commissions for paintings, sketches and illustrations.

As a published poet I write about the joys of nature and the human devastation of it. I also write poems for brands and businesses to engage their audiences in new and more thought provoking ways.

https://www.thedaydreamacademy.com
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