To Be Of Use

“To Be of Use” is a poem that focuses on the value of hard work, the meaningfulness of that work, and the necessity of perseverance. In the poem’s opening, Piercy’s speaker discusses the “people [they] love the best” (Line 1), expressly detailing that those who work hard, even when the situations are adversarial, are admirable. This is explored through the metaphor of a strong swimmer who does not “dally” (Line 3) in “the shallows” (Line 3). Rather, they plunge in and confidently pursue their objective, even though they are aware of the risks. People who engage with work in this manner “become natives of that element” (Line 5), becoming masters at their chosen task. The speaker compares them to “seals” (Line 6), who easily twist and bend in the water as they glide through it. Just as seals are born to navigate the ocean, those who enthusiastically engage in what they do are perceived as effortless.

This love letter to those who labor continues when the speaker notes that those who work with much effort are also worthy of appreciation. Those who “harness themselves” (Line 8) to work—greeting it with “massive patience” (Line 9)—are significant bearers of burdens and deserve accolades. They stick with their objective like the “ox” (Line 8) or “water buffalo” (Line 9). Despite the “mud and muck” (Line 10) that tugs against their progress, they keep going toward their goal or destination. This alludes to the types of workers who will, despite difficulty—or “strain” (Line 10)—continue to “do what has to be done” (Line 11). Their work may not be fun, but it is necessary, and it becomes ultimately rewarding, nonetheless. This might call to mind care workers, military officers, or other rescue personnel who continue to work through terrifying conditions to handle an emergency. It might also convey the idea of personal tenacity against system failure or other resistance. Some work may require efforts to be made “again and again” (Line 11) to “move things forward” (Line 10). However, even though there is sacrifice, the implication is that the end goal is worth the struggle.

Investing in a goal helps to lead to its success. The speaker notes admiration for those who “submerge / [themselves] in the task” (Lines 12-13), who are similar to those who “jump into work head first” (Line 2). To achieve an abundance like a  “harvest” (Line 14) requires those willing to “work in a row” (Line 14), “pass the bags” (Line 14), and “move in common rhythm” (Line 16). Those individuals who can also work as a team are as valuable as those who effortlessly navigate the workplace, and those who bear its heavier burdens. These people handle the day-to-day operations of collecting items or gathering information. The speaker particularly admires those who can work with a sense of comradery. In the metaphor in this stanza, these people understand that it is only by working together that the “food [can] come in” (Line 17).

In contrast, the speaker has no respect for “field deserters” (Line 15), those who abandon their task as soon as difficulty arises and let others pick up their slack. There is little tolerance given to “parlor generals” (Line 15) as well. These are the type of people who order others to do the work for them so they can lounge around comfortably and not get their hands dirty in the field. Neither of these kinds of workers are team players, nor are they individuals who get the job done. They fail to navigate deeper waters nor engage in heavy lifting. They, the speaker suggests, should not be emulated.

The speaker recognizes that most people are employed in some way. While employment is “common” (Line 18), approaches to work vary. How one works—the care and attention one gives their role, their job, or their calling—is of importance to the success of that work. The speaker recognizes that a worker who doesn’t take pride in what they do can “botch” (Line 19) the effort of the whole. In this way, there can be no honor in it, and it “crumbles to dust” (Line 19). However, the speaker insists that if someone does their work with enthusiasm and guardianship, then their work will take on a “shape that satisfies” (Line 21). Not only can the person have personal pride in their efforts, but others will also see their dedication as “clean and evident” (Line 20).

This is clarified by a comparison to ancient Greek jugs that held wine, and “Hopi vases” (Line 23) that held corn. Regarded by us now as beautiful artifacts, these vessels, the speaker points out, were once “made to be used” (Line 24). These containers, along with pitchers, are personified to show that they desire to be filled with something. This correlates to a person’s longing for a type of satisfying work. In other words, they long “to be of use” and create something meaningful. The entirety of the poem shows that being of use is a key component of living a successful life, worthy of notice and adulation.