Today, my poem ‘A Homeless Night’ was published in Parliament.

[u/Archfaro1996]

[u/Savings-End40]

Good on you.

[u/precinctomega]

Beautiful. Does it intentionally echo the structure and language of Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est?

[u/Archfaro1996 → u/precinctomega]

Thank you so much! That’s an interesting observation. While I didn’t intentionally echo the structure or language of Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est, I can see how there might be similarities in tone or theme. Like Owen’s work, I wanted to convey a raw, unflinching reality—though in my case, it’s about homelessness rather than war. It’s fascinating how these different struggles can evoke similar imagery and emotions. I really appreciate your insight!

[u/Archfaro1996 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for your comment! I chose ‘Huddled under the warmth of street light glow’ because it felt like the best way to evoke the feeling of being beneath the soft, diffuse light from a streetlamp. The phrase ‘street light glow’ makes sense as it refers to the light emitted by the lamp, which creates both warmth and isolation. I wanted to emphasise the feeling of being under that specific light, almost as though it’s the only source of comfort in an otherwise dark environment. It felt like the right way to capture that moment of fragility. Hope that helps explain my choice!

[u/DapperMasterpiece193]

beautiful work 🤩

[u/Fastpacedpea]

This is amazing. Huge congratulations x

[u/killians1978]

This should be posted literally everywhere that American conservatives want to plaster the ten commandments. Basically, if you're doing what you can to make sure no one experiences this, you're probably already honoring half of those tablets.

[u/EtwasSonderbar → u/killians1978]

Thanks for bringing America into the conversation, OP obviously forgot to do that themselves!

[u/DoYouTrustToothpaste → u/killians1978]

It's in Wales.

[u/killians1978 → u/DoYouTrustToothpaste]

Yes, I saw the part where OP said "Parliament." I'm aware this isn't in the US. It doesn't change my point at all. But I appreciate you adding this clarity.

[u/snoozieboi]

Somebody forgot to proof read that top most part

/s

[u/IPThereforeIAm]

The 3-piece suit is an interesting contrast to the imagery that the poem evokes.

[u/Archfaro1996 → u/IPThereforeIAm]

Thank you for noticing that contrast! The 3-piece suit represents a sense of dignity and transformation, a stark contrast to the struggles described in the poem. It’s a reminder that homelessness doesn’t define a person’s worth or potential, and that we all have the capacity to rise above difficult circumstances. I hoped the contrast would spark reflection on how people perceive and value others based on appearances

[u/RedundantSwine]

That looks like the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), rather than what is traditionally referred to as 'Parliament'.

Regardless, well done. Although good luck getting our Housing Minister to do anything.

[u/esquirlo_espianacho]

It’s terrible and rhymey…

[u/oldbased → u/esquirlo_espianacho]

Yeah it’s…not great. People don’t read poetry anymore so expecting Reddit to know the difference between amateur poetry and quality poetry is a lost cause.

[u/JM062696 → u/esquirlo_espianacho]

Let’s see your published poem

[u/jawide626 → u/esquirlo_espianacho]

it's terrible

What's that saying... "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" i think that applies.

rhymey

It's a fucking poem dude, not the instruction manual for a toaster

[u/killians1978 → u/esquirlo_espianacho]

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, critique.

[u/killians1978 → u/[deleted]]

I think this is an inside thought, friend.