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‘To be of use’ by Marge Piercy depicts one speaker’s preference to be around those who work hard and understand the importance of perseverance. The poem takes the reader through metaphorical comparisons between oxen, water buffalo, and seals.
Analysis: “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 ...
“To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy is a lyric poem of four stanzas that was first published in a 1973 collection of the same title. This collection was Piercy’s fourth, published relatively early in her career.
By Marge Piercy. The people I love the best. jump into work head first. without dallying in the shallows. and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals. bouncing like half-submerged balls. I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
Piercy’s wording validates and elevates those who try to find a “thing worth doing well” (Line 20). She “love[s]” (Lines 1, 8) these people and “want[s] to be with them” (Line 12). The poem becomes a way to address them, a love letter to commend them.
Oct 19, 2016. “To Be of Use” Text. The people I love the best. Jump into work head first. Without dallying in the shallows. And swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, The black sleek heads of seals. Bouncing like half-submerged balls. I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
Marge Piercy. To Be of Use. The people I love the best. jump into work head first. without dallying in the shallows. and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals. bouncing like half-submerged balls. I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
