Crikey, that was unexpected, the country’s in shock!
We’ve voted to leave, the world’s been rocked.
It was never meant to happen – remain was so sure
And now no one knows what to think anymore.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has just resigned
Of the European departure his premiership’ll be defined.
Markets are in turmoil, the Pound is crashing
Clouds of chaos and uncertainty are amassing.

Here we go, after long battles on the hustings, Brexit’s at last on the cusp!
But it feels too close: the certainty of “Remain” perhaps more tentative than must.
Whatever you choice, whatever floats your boat
Honour your democracy and get out there and vote.

Football is back – the Euros are here again
Nationalist fervour and lust for the beautiful game.
Yet it doesn’t seem so beautiful – more ugly and despair
As violence and vandalism turn dream to sad nightmare.

It’s nothing new this hooliganism, we’ve seen it all before
Yet it’s rampant now as ever – most people do deplore.
Let’s hope the Gendarmes use full force to quash the feral scum
And celebrate this tournament of skills and goals and fun.

A week of infrastructure, of scientists and design
The opening of the world’s longest tunnel, for a smart new railway line.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is 57 kilometres from end to end
Across and under Switzerland via straights and climbs and bends.

So, too, a poignant time for London’s airport, Heathrow
Which was opened this week seventy years ago.
Heathrow has seen it all: Brinks-Mat, Concorde and the Beatles
It’s a melting pot of global travel, a connection for the people.

The final creation for the week was that of a humble new fiver
It will now be printed on polymer to make it more of a survivor.
It will last much longer, be much stronger and even go through the wash
Though, ironically, forgery will be harder, money laundering will get the cosh.

In the spirit of atonement that always typifies a President’s final year
Obama visited Hiroshima; the city that witnessed nuclear fear.
Since Harry S. Truman ordered the strike 71 years ago
Eleven presidents have been in office, but this incumbent’s the first to show.

Apologies were absent, but that was not the aim
(Japan was merciless and cruel in World War 2’s awful game).
A simple acknowledgement of what took place was all that was required
The Japanese appreciated the gesture; many reflected and were inspired.

You see, the 6th of August 1945
Saw an action that in an instant, took eighty thousand lives.
As “Little Boy” was dropped from a Boeing B-29, known as “Enola Gay”
And its repercussions are still been felt right up to this very day.

Three days later “Fat Man” fell from “Bockstar” on Nagasaki – the second nuclear bomb
And it swiftly changed the Emperors’ resolve and saw surrender by Nippon.
Since then the nukes have increased and the stakes grown in a world of complex strife;
But the irony is that such a weapon has become a deterrent and actually saved life.

This has been a week of many fine yarns
Of the trials and tribulations of a number of Khans.

In Las Vegas legendary boxer Amir Khan lost his first Middleweight fight
To Saul “Canelo” Alvarez from Guadalajara – knocked out with a right.

In London the vote for Mayor to replace Boris Johnson (ex Eton)
With another Etonian, Zac Goldsmith, by Sadiq Khan was soundly beaten.

Zac’s sister, ironically Jemima Khan, was heard to complain
That her brother had led too negative a campaign.

And in the cinemas, top of the bill was the Jungle Book
Where Idris Elba’s portrayal of Sheer Khan, so many plaudits took.

Leicester City have won the Premiership at five thousand to one – it’s true!
The odds of finding Elvis were less, or finding the Loch Ness monster too.
How did they achieve this and beat more weighty competition?
Talent – yes, hard work – true, but teamwork’s the definition.

Leicester has another hero, who grew up there as a lad
Sir David Attenborough is ninety this week and what a life he’s had.
Palaeontologist, naturalist, he’s taught us of the planet’s time since birth.
This much respected broadcaster, he has shown us life on earth.

Austin Reed and BHS have gone into administration
Names that once led the high street – names that dressed the nation.
But the world has changed – internet, fast fashion, shoppers more astute
And I am afraid, old clothiers, we no longer like the cut of you suit!
You need to move with the times, stay fresh, don’t miss the boat.
Because: “If you don’t shake change by the hand, it’ll grab you by the throat”!

A monumental week of mile stones and celebration
One of those week’s that unites our fair nation.
It started with the Queen and her ninetieth year
With artillery salutes, pomp and three cheers.
To sum up the Queen’s life would be futile in rhyme
It would take far, far more than my pithy lines.

Next came William Shakespeare four hundred years on
The poet whose talents are etched in prose, sonnet, song.
Tragedy and comedy, Shakespeare’s quotes still hold power so raw.
His command of our language so graceful, his observations so sure.
It has often struck me that this quintessential English laureate
Died on St. George’s day…which seems most appropriate.

Speaking of George, our new young Prince had a meeting
In Kensington Palace – a Presidential greeting.
President Obama was here to celebrate both the Queen and the bard
To meet the Prime Minster (old friends), to show his regards.
But the meat of the visit was to encourage a “remain” in the referendum
It was to raise the tempo (in what feels likes Neverendum).