Homecoming (poem) facts for kids

Homecoming is a powerful poem written by the Australian poet Bruce Dawe. It was created during the Vietnam War, a major conflict that happened many years ago. The poem's main message is strongly against war, showing how terrible and sad it is.

What is Homecoming About?

Homecoming focuses on the sad journey of soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. It describes how their bodies were sent back home. The poem uses strong words to make readers feel the deep sorrow and waste of war. It helps us understand the huge cost of conflict, not just for soldiers but also for their families and countries.

The Vietnam War Connection

The Vietnam War was a long and difficult conflict that took place from the 1950s to the 1970s. Many countries were involved, including Australia. Bruce Dawe wrote Homecoming to share his feelings about this war. He wanted to show the pain and suffering it caused. The poem acts as a voice for those who were affected by the war's violence.

Why is Homecoming Important?

Homecoming is considered one of the most important poems about the Vietnam War written by an Australian. It has touched many people because of its strong anti-war message.

What Experts Say

Experts who study literature have praised Homecoming greatly. For example, Dennis Haskell, a professor at the University of Western Australia, called it "the most highly regarded poem about Vietnam written by any Australian." Another expert, Peter Pierce, described it as "one of the finest threnodies in the war literature of Vietnam." A "threnody" is a poem or song that expresses deep sadness or mourning, often for someone who has died. This shows how moving and impactful the poem is.

The poem helps us remember the history of the Vietnam War and the importance of peace. It reminds us to think about the human cost of conflicts around the world.