Look We Have coming to Dover

• Themes


  • Hardship and hope of immigration
  • Society and culture
  • Identity
  • Conflict
• Structure


  • When looking at the poem as a whole the changes in line length become clearer, with each stanza progressing from short lines to long lines, before restarting the cycle for the next stanza.
  •  showing waves and tides with this gradual but clear flow and change, or alternatively the movement of people across the world throughout history and different cycles of immigration and emigration.
  • Less even structure as reminding them of their own experience with foreign languages, in which those who are less practiced may struggle to have an even and regular flow of conversation.
• Techniques

  • The use of non English words is an intriguing way in which Nagra can be seen to be critical of anti-immigration ideas and sentiments, demonstrating how English has naturally evolved to incorporate words from other languages. There are many examples, such as “alfresco” (Italian) and “camouflage” (French) within the first two stanzas, and reference to champagne through “charged glasses” in the final stanza.
  • inclusion of such words that aren't immediately recognised as ‘foreign’ demonstrates how language has evolved, and how little it has been realised by modern society.
• Techniques pt 2


  • use of British references and imagery to juxtapose with the non-English words and ideas. “Bedford van” which became a known piece of British culture throughout the 20th century - many wartime vehicles branded as “Bedford”.
  • description “Blair’d in the cash” - use of “Blair” is a reference to former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who decided not to use available restrictions to prevent large-scale immigration
  • As such, this reference can be seen as pointing directly to the idea of immigration and the way that politics, media and society intertwine to react to it.
• “Stowed in the sea to invade"


  • The inclusion of “invade” introduces the ongoing theme of words with negative connotations, but this one is particularly notable because of the direct link to hostile people entering another country.
  • However, this is juxtaposed with the idea of being “stowed” and hidden away unnoticed, with it unlikely for people to be able to invade a country with no supplies. This could therefore be interpreted as a criticism of those who are see immigration as hugely detrimental or even dangerous.
• “banking on the miracle of sun”


  • This line relates to the typical view of Britain as a rainy country with little sunshine, with the humour highlighting the ability for people to integrate into society successfully and quickly.
  • Some readers may also interpret this in relation to the idea of sun as a positive symbol, alluding to the idea that those coming to the UK may need to hope for a ‘miracle’ in order to be fully accepted as part of society.
• “babbling our lingoes”


  • Once again there is another light-hearted phrase within the poem to contrast with the more serious issues being raised, helping to present people as normal and approachable to a reader.
  • “Babbling” could be seen as an example of onomatopoeia, with Nagra playing with these words and phrases to continue the idea of multiple languages.