To be of Use, Marge Piercy
Meditation
What does it mean to be of use? In a state of uncertainty, restriction, or even paralysis, what is the preparation for action? Sometimes, there is no preparation, only the doing, the striving “to move things forward,” to do “what has to be done, again and again.” The half-submerged balls is propelled upward by the imbalance of pressure. It has no choice but to launch forth. Its motion is intrinsic, for the thing worth doing is worth doing well. Our acts must not be haphazard, but neither should the perfect be the enemy of the good. The work to humanize is common as mud. The pitcher cries for water to carry”. For what are you the pitcher? What is the water you carry? What is the work for you that is real?
Todd Breyfogle, Denver, Colorado
