"The pitcher cries for water to carry / and a person for work that is real"
In her poem "To be of use" Marge Piercy explores the value that work has in our everyday lives and how the work that we do as individuals shapes how we perceive ourselves. Particularly the last two lines bring forth ideas of people actual needing work to reach fulfillment, and not just any work, but work that plays to each of our strengths. Not everyone is strong, intellectual, or social, but playing to our strengths increases the benefit our actions have for society and the self worth that we feel as a result. We all strive to stand out and be accepted by those around us, and the best way is to "jump into work head first" and create a splash to make everyone notice. How you work can show your true character and earn the respect of others, which often leads to respect of yourself. We live our lives to find purpose, and sitting around does nothing to aid in the search. Struggling and persevering through work adds depth, passion, and meaning to every aspect of our lives, without which life would be easier, but not nearly as worthwhile. As we work through our senior year of high school, maybe thinking of work as yet another facilitator of growth can help us in fighting off the senioritis and help us appreciate our last year at Los Osos, rather than wishing it all away.
-Elise Pertusati
I agree with this. I really liked the whole last stanza, and I like how you relate it to senior year. It adds a whole new dimension to the poem. Referring to work as a facilitator for growth is interesting to me. It does spark growth...internal and external.
ReplyDelete-Emily T