July 14, 2024

do what has to be done, again and again.

You do not usually know when you’re living through something that might later be described as a “turning point”. But sometimes, sometimes you do know.

At times like this, like these, I find myself seeking people moved by the “common rhythm” of getting things done, when there are fires burning every where and so many in need.

Be useful, locally.

Attribution

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out
— from To be of use by Marge Piercy