Poet 'flabbergasted' by London fireworks request

A spoken word poet whose work was used during London's New Year's Eve fireworks display said he was "flabbergasted" by having his words heard by millions.

This Is What England Means To Me by Sonny Green went viral on social media last September, exploring British identity and culture through Green's eyes.

The 30-year-old, from Southend-on-Sea, was asked by the Mayor of London's office if part of his work could be used during the annual display at the London Eye.

"It's like you think your mates are pranking you. I almost put the phone down, I almost said 'are you winding me up?'," he said.

"I was completely kind of flabbergasted really."

Green's original poem, which he created in response to what he called "heightened" political commentary last year, was viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

He worked on creating a shortened version of his poem for the display, which takes place each year on London's South Bank and centres on the London Eye.

In the city's biggest pyrotechnic display to date, 12,000 fireworks were let off with 100,000 people watching from the banks of the Thames.

"It doesn't get any bigger than that; I'm super grateful for the opportunity; It's mind-blowing," said Green.

Of the televised display, he said: "You grew up watching it, it's the only thing these days people are locking into on the TV.

"For me, I like to encourage people that you can come from places like Southend and council estates like I'm from, and you can write poetry and you will be heard."

Here's what England means to me - the real England.

When it's sunny, it's too hot. When it's cold, the weather's rubbish.

England to me is a cup of tea, how many sugars? I'm sweet enough.

England to me is Caribbean barbers with a sharpish trim, it's Christian neighbours saying Happy Hanukkah mate, and Muslim mums saying Merry Christmas love.

And you think you're seeing flags now? Wait until the World Cup's on, then you'll know about flags, my son.

'Cos this is what England means to me, it's about loving each other no matter what colour you are, where you're from or who your god is.

Because this is England. This is the United Kingdom.

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