Having experienced alcoholism and homelessness Seamus Fox came to understand the social and human injustices that result in so many people finding themselves living in the streets. Seamus found a home at Emmaus, a charity offering formerly homeless and socially excluded people a stable home and meaningful work. At Emmaus he met hundreds of other people, just like him, but each with their own story to tell. This book is a collection of poems written from those stories, showing the reality of what it means to be homeless. They give an honest, disturbing and often enlightening view of homelessness, based on the experiences of 44 individuals.
Seamus Fox was born in Belfast and brought up in Craigavon. He has been writing since his mid-teens in many different formats and was very active in Belfast especially from around 2007, mostly with spoken word and occasionally comedy. Having experienced the absolute horror of alcoholism and the arduous task of getting sober he realised the power of writing as a tool for understanding and changing. In late 2015 he moved to London to find work and after several months he found himself homeless. Seamus has been completely sober for more than 7 years and he has noticed a massive change in how he sees the world as a result of sobriety. Eventually he found Emmaus and he now works and lives at the Cambridge Community. He undertook the writing of this book to give something back to the Emmaus family that he feels such a part of, but also to raise awareness about the serious social issues surrounding homelessness and addiction.
"This collection of poetry is incredibly thought-provoking, and it ultimately led me to think about the way I perceive homelessness and the ways that I can help and leave a positive impact on people who need it most. For example, Good Samaritan and A Bowl of Noodles show examples that no matter how big or small a gesture, they will always be appreciated. This collection taught me that all that matters is that we, as human beings, look after each other." -- Jemma ODonovan
"Anyone who may have casually dismissed homeless people as being parasites should read what Seamus has written. It is insightful, moving and compelling. The writer has the gift of language and is able to put into verse the feelings and aspirations of many." - Terry Waite CBE, President of Emmaus UK
