English

Short reflective poem

If you can see a foreign land
all its faults you do not spy
and every foreigner you shake his hand
you're English till you die.

If nothing dashes more your hope
than a well delivered lie
and without these lies you can not cope
you're English till you die.

If you can meet a hateful chap
see how he exists and why
but never bridge the gaping gap
you're English till you die.

If you can meet a happy soul
and to him yourself tie
when young enough to be your son
you're English till you die.

Live and die a member
of this gracious clan
for there is nothing quite so admirable as an Englishman.