Best of British

Today is Diamond Jubilee Day, a Public Holiday in the United Kingdom and the culmination of the four-day "Central Weekend" of celebration of a quite remarkable lady, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Many of my republican minded friends will think this rare post to my blog shows I've gone quite doolally, but I really don't mind. These have been days of such joy in the midst of a world of woe, that like the many millions on London's streets (and maybe even myself, again, later) I can do nothing but celebrate, in words, what it really means to me to be a citizen of the United Kingdom, according to nationality acts, and a willing subject of Elizabeth in a modern, constitutional monarchy.

So moved did I feel last night, after attending a special service and a beacon lighting at St Mary's, Bedfont, that I was moved to some rare poetic composition in the small hours. I'll share some more thoughts later, but dedicated to Her Majesty.

Best of British

There is a realm which has no bounds
That has no price in pence or pounds
There is a state, a land once dreamt
Where love is ruler, all content

There is a home, welcome for all
Where hope dwells safe, and none shall fall
There is a place, where mercy reigns
A glistening bliss of light-kissed lanes

There is a Christian, one who knows
The pain of loss, the human woes
There is a woman, one who dares
To serve all life for that she cares

There is a diamond in our land
Whom 'fate' has dealt a ruler's hand
There is a queen faithful to death
Called mother, wife - Elizabeth


There is a nation, proud and free
A birthplace once of liberty
There is a country full of men
Who toil for peace, again and again

What is this realm, which many seek
Not just blind followers, dim as sheep
But loving souls, of faith or none
Who strive for truth, for duty done

This is the monarch I can serve
From Christian faith she will not swerve
Yet all God asks of her and me
Love justice, truth, and liberty


His is the power that makes her shine
This Britain's queen, this lady fair
Hers is the image, Hers is the face
That makes this land a glorious place

This is my home, the land I adore
Full of beauty from shore to shore
This is the taste, perhaps. for now
Of heaven just beyond death’s brow

God Save our Gracious Queen!