Episode 463: “[Encore] To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host: Tracy K. Smith (Encore Edition)

Introduction

In this special encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson takes a brief hiatus, allowing listeners to revisit one of the station’s most impactful past episodes. This edition features Tracy K. Smith, a former host, guiding us through Marge Piercy's evocative poem, "To Be of Use." Drawing from profound reflections on leadership, community, and purposeful work, Smith offers deep insights that resonate with both the challenges and aspirations of today's world.

Revisiting Tracy K. Smith’s Reflections

Embracing Arthur Ashe’s Mantra

Timestamp: [01:51]

Tracy K. Smith opens the episode by invoking the empowering words of Arthur Ashe:
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
(01:51)
She emphasizes this mantra as a beacon for individuals striving to make meaningful contributions amidst global uncertainties. Smith underscores the urgency of action, urging listeners to harness their current resources and circumstances to effect positive change, thereby combating the tendency to procrastinate or retreat in the face of adversity.

Insights from Martin Luther King Jr.

Timestamp: [02:20 - 04:30]

Delving deeper into the themes of community and justice, Smith references Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1967 work, Where Do We Go From Chaos or Community? She highlights King's arguments for dismantling entrenched societal patterns to address the pervasive issues of racism, poverty, and militarism. King posits that for America to navigate the chaos threatening its fabric, it must cultivate values that prioritize humanity over material gain and moral authority over military might.

Smith shares a compelling quote from King:
“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”
(04:00)
This powerful assertion serves as a framework for understanding the balance between strength and compassion. Smith relates this to contemporary society, encouraging listeners to use their voices as instruments of love and justice, combating forces that undermine these ideals.

Exploring “To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy

Timestamp: [04:30 - 06:41]

The heart of the episode centers on the poignant poem "To Be of Use" by Marge Piercy. Smith delivers a thoughtful reading, accompanied by her insightful analysis:

• Imagery of Commitment and Labor:
  Smith describes the poem's portrayal of individuals who "jump into work headfirst without dallying in the shadows" and "become natives of that element." This vivid imagery highlights the grace and dedication of those who commit wholeheartedly to their tasks, much like seals seamlessly integrating into their aquatic habitats.

• Valorizing Everyday Efforts:
  She appreciates Piercy's celebration of ordinary laborers—the "ox to a heavy cart," "water buffalo," and those who "strain in the mud and the muck." Smith draws parallels between these images and the collective effort required to sustain communities and societies.

• Value of Practical Work:
  Emphasizing the utilitarian aspect, Smith reflects on the poem's contrast between objects like "Greek amphoras" and "Hopi vases" that are both functional and artistically significant. This analogy extends to human endeavors, suggesting that true worth lies in "work that is real"—actions that serve a purpose beyond personal acclaim.

• Enduring Satisfaction of Purposeful Action:
  Concluding her analysis, Smith highlights the poem’s affirmation that "the work of the world is common as mud," yet "the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies clean and evident." This sentiment encapsulates the fulfillment derived from meaningful, diligent efforts that contribute to the greater good.

Conclusion

This encore episode masterfully intertwines Tracy K. Smith's reflective narration with Marge Piercy's stirring poetry, offering listeners a rich tapestry of inspiration and contemplation. By connecting historical insights with contemporary relevance, Smith invites us to find our place in the collective journey, urging us to "be of use" in ways that resonate deeply with our shared human experience.

Additional Information

The Slowdown is produced by APM Studios in collaboration with The Poetry Foundation and receives partial support from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more curated poetic reflections, visit slowdownshow.org and subscribe to the newsletter for daily poetic inspiration. Follow The Slowdown on Instagram at @slowdownshow and on Bluesky at slowdownshow.org.

This episode was an encore featuring content originally presented by former host Tracy K. Smith. Stay tuned for new episodes as The Slowdown returns with Host Major Jackson, continuing to illuminate our shared journey through the power of poetry.