They brought a certain style
to the sceptered isle
from that other realm, the Caribbean.

One newspaper spoke of their dazzling ties
and said hope shone in their eyes
But they came with no sword or musket.

I speak of those Windrush pilgrims, pioneers,
or simply call them followers of a dream
when dreams were coloured red white and blue.

But like the all-embracing breeze
that shows no concern
for the origin of a flag
let the heart learn
to fly its banner
without regard to colour
as moon and dark unite
within a single sky

On such a day
will black and white
raise a rum
to Windrush welcome
and a flag will open
out its fluttering arms
and this time round
the bard will say

This England, that was wont to conquer others
Hath made a glorious conquest of itself.

John Agard
BBC Poet in Residence