I am England

Unlike the Shamrock Emerald Isles
Plucky Irish folk celebrate
St George stirs doubtful scorn
"Racists hero," the nervy debate

'I am England'

Liberator of stricken damsels
St George the dragon-slayer
Patron saint of England
More a multi national Mayor

'I am England'

Animal Guardian in Lithuania
In Beirut, a guard, soldier and Priest
Treasured in Catalonia
Cherished in the Middle East

'I am England'

No barriers, no blockades
Cheer Ingerland one and all
No dark shadow of racism
In the union of football

'I am England'

Celebrate the beautiful game
Glittering road show to enthral
Football the sport of the world
Belongs equally to us all

'I am England'

Football leads on unity
'I am England' rings loud and clear
To play, watch, converse openly
To live free without fear

'I am England'

Verses rouse the conscience
Puskas to tragic King Lear
Elegy links to England and St George
From the quill of the Bard Shakespeare

The game's afoot: Follow your spirit,
and upon this charge,
Cry 'God for Harry, England,
and Saint George!'

'I am England'

Wharton to Wright - Phillips
Fulfilled the schoolboy dream
Tis now the point to pen
A black English football team

'We are England'

James, Anderson, Cole, Wright
Campbell, Cunningham, Rio,
You'll never beat Des Walker
Ince, Palmer, Barnes, Defoe

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com