ENGLAND MY ENGLAND - Part Three

Here we have both thesis and antithesis,
so there remains a problem to be faced
Of presenting a well-balanced synthesis
On which constructive thinking can be based…

......... The Philosopher takes up the challenge………...

Thesis and antithesis have skilfully been posed,
And yet the arguments remain unclosed.
Truth resides in both the observations -
Except we are not one but several nations.
That said, I find myself more moved
to dwell on what we have improved.
It's true that standards now have all around declined
And values we were taught all undermined:
But ponder on what judgements we would pass
Were we not born into the middle class.

My neighbour, once enslaved on factory floor
Adopts a style more opulent than poor.
His son (a rough-necked sort of fellah)
Flies off to Santiago de Compostela
Instead of Brighton or Southend
In lodgings that would nowadays be condemned.

But this was said, and I can but agree:
That ugliness all around is what we see.
Our youths look over-fed and yet with ample means
Elect to go about in tattered jeans,
With lager cans and crisps and ugly poses
And mobile phones and daggers through their noses.
Twin goals, above all else, will make their eyes go starry:
The thought of one day driving a Ferrari
And, when it comes to planning a career,
Why, yes! "I'll be a football millionaire!"

And what's that sound? What is that dreadful whine?
Alas, I hate to hear the lovely cadence of our speech decline
The BBC declared that you can rise above your station
If you are female, speak in 'Estuary' and are… Asian.

But through the clouds I try one simple truth to see:
We may speak badly - but what we speak is free.
This is, above all else, a priceless treasure
Which those who have not had it cannot measure.
Our politicians stand on platforms, rant and rave,
Yet cannot tell us how we will behave.
For, granted an uncaged, unfettered voice,
The jewel in the crown is surely - choice.

written and recited by George Perkin

THE END .... or is it?!