Tikka Masala

I’m called Tikka Masala; but you already know my name,

Remember the celebrations - A brief moment of fame.

The papers did a survey - I was England’s Number One!

The nation’s  favourite thing to eat - prejudice was overcome.

And not just me, it was plain to see - or so the headlines ran.

Sag Paneer was welcome here, and  so was Peshwari Naan!

We thought it was all settled. A bond to last forever.

A pint of Cobra to seal the deal - we broke popadoms together.

I was proud to wear St George’s Cross and make Engerland my home.

Everything was going fine. I was now one of your own.

They even wrote a football song how We all like Vindaloo!

And, in our dream, the England team will score more goals than you!

A take-away and an England shirt -  something to get behind.

So tell me what has happened - to now make you change your mind?

Did I get it all wrong? Has all that now gone?  Cos I’ll tell you how it looks.

I might be England’s Number One. But seems you  still don’t like the cooks!

(After anti migrant protests across UK Summer 2025)