Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Be of Use" is a poem by Marge Piercy, first published in 1973 in her collection "Circles on the Water." The poem is a celebration of physical labor and the people who perform it, and is often cited as one of Piercy's most popular and anthologized works.

Explanation: 

"To Be of Use" is a paean to the value of physical labor and the people who perform it. The poem begins by contrasting the usefulness of objects like axes, shovels, and plows with the more abstract pursuits of the mind. Piercy argues that physical labor is a vital and meaningful pursuit, and that the people who do it are often undervalued and overlooked.

The poem then turns to celebrate the beauty and dignity of physical labor, describing workers who are "blacksmiths / hammering horse shoes, / cobblers by their benches, / carpenters / bending down over boards." Piercy argues that these workers are engaged in a noble pursuit, and that their work gives them a sense of purpose and satisfaction that more abstract pursuits cannot provide.

The poem concludes by urging readers to "live / in the along," to find joy and meaning in the everyday work that they do, and to take pride in their ability to be of use to others.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "To Be of Use" is a free-verse poem consisting of ten stanzas of varying lengths.
• Imagery: Piercy uses vivid, sensory imagery to bring the world of physical labor to life, describing the "cold mornigns of winter" and the "black fields / of mud and snow."
• Repetition: The phrase "to be of use" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing its central theme.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and reverential, with Piercy emphasizing the value and beauty of physical labor.

Conclusion: 

"To Be of Use" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the value of physical labor and the people who perform it. Through vivid imagery and repeated phrases, Piercy argues that physical work is a noble pursuit that provides a sense of purpose and meaning to those who engage in it. The poem is a reminder that there is dignity and value in all kinds of work, and that finding joy in the everyday tasks of life is one of the keys to a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Poem Snippet:

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.

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