"To Be of Use" by Marge Piercy is a powerful poem that speaks to the value of hard work and purpose. The poem is written in the voice of someone who takes pride in their ability to work hard and be useful to others.
The poem begins with a declaration of the speaker's love for work: "I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again." This passage paints a vivid image of the speaker's admiration for those who are willing to put in the hard work and effort required to get things done, no matter how difficult or unpleasant the task may be.
The speaker goes on to describe the various ways in which they find meaning and purpose in their work, saying that they "love the one who knows what he can do and does it." This statement highlights the importance of knowing one's own strengths and using them to contribute to the world around them. The speaker also speaks of the joy they find in "the crank of a starter under cold fingers" and "the smooth nuts of a bike" – small, mundane tasks that become sources of satisfaction through the pride and care they take in doing them well.
In the second half of the poem, the speaker reflects on the ways in which their own hard work has contributed to the world around them. They speak of "the dirt under [their] nails" as a symbol of their dedication to their work, and the satisfaction they find in "making something, making a shirt, a cake, a shove, a joint, a car, a day." These lines suggest that the speaker derives a sense of pride and purpose from the tangible results of their hard work – the things they have built or created with their own hands.
Finally, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of every moment. They say, "we are all dying to get used, know the power and the love of the earth." This line suggests that the speaker believes that there is a deep and meaningful connection between human beings and the natural world, and that we all have a role to play in shaping and sustaining it.
In conclusion, "To Be of Use" is a poem that celebrates the value of hard work and purpose. It speaks to the ways in which we can find meaning and fulfillment in the tasks we undertake, whether they be small and mundane or large and transformative. It reminds us that our efforts, no matter how seemingly insignificant, have the power to make a difference in the world around us.
