'What Work Is' by Philip Levine
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We stand in the rain in a long line
waiting at Ford Highland Park. For work.
You know what work is--if you're
old enough to read this you know what
work is, although you may not do it.
Forget you. This is about waiting,
shifting from one foot to another.
Feeling the light rain falling like mist
into your hair, blurring your vision
until you think you see your own brother
ahead of you, maybe ten places.
You rub your glasses with your fingers,
and of course it's someone else's brother,
narrower across the shoulders than
yours but with the same sad slouch, the grin
that does not hide the stubbornness,
the sad refusal to give in to
rain, to the hours wasted waiting,
to the knowledge that somewhere ahead
a man is waiting who will say, "No,
we're not hiring today," for any
reason he wants. You love your brother,
now suddenly you can hardly stand
the love flooding you for your brother,
who's not beside you or behind or
ahead because he's home trying to
sleep off a miserable night shift
at Cadillac so he can get up
before noon to study his German.
Works eight hours a night so he can sing
Wagner, the opera you hate most,
the worst music ever invented.
How long has it been since you told him
you loved him, held his wide shoulders,
opened your eyes wide and said those words,
and maybe kissed his cheek? You've never
done something so simple, so obvious,
not because you're too young or too dumb,
not because you're jealous or even mean
or incapable of crying in
the presence of another man, no,
just because you don't know what work is.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry that Connects with the Working Class: Philip Levine's What Work Is
Introduction
Philip Levine's poetry collection, "What Work Is," is a powerful reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the working class. The poems in this collection capture the experiences of blue-collar workers in America, including those who work in factories and other physically demanding jobs. Levine's poetry is raw, honest, and deeply human, offering a unique perspective on the lives of the working class.
Analysis
The first poem in the collection, "Let Me Begin Again," sets the tone for the rest of the book. In this poem, Levine reflects on his own journey from working in a factory to becoming a poet. He writes, "Let me begin again/ as a speck/ of dust caught/ in the night winds/ sweeping out to sea." This image captures the feeling of insignificance that many working-class people feel, as if they are just another dust particle in a vast and uncaring universe. However, Levine's poetry gives voice to these people and their struggles, offering a sense of hope and connection.
In "What Work Is," Levine explores the theme of work in all its forms. He writes about the physical labor of factory workers, the mental anguish of the unemployed, and the emotional toll of poverty. In the poem "Coming Close," he describes a woman working in a factory, saying, "I once saw her/ on a Saturday/ pick a man up/ out of the gutter." This image of a hardworking woman helping someone in need highlights the compassion and humanity that can be found even in the most difficult circumstances.
One of the most powerful poems in the collection is "Call It Music." In this poem, Levine reflects on the lives of jazz musicians and their connection to the working class. He writes, "They call it music, we call it/ work, and it's the only thing/ that makes us all feel like we're/ going to live forever." This image of music as a lifeline for the working class is both poignant and uplifting.
Another notable poem in the collection is "What Work Is," which gives the book its title. In this poem, Levine reflects on the different types of work and the impact it has on people. He writes, "We stand in the rain in a long line/ waiting at Ford Highland Park. For work." This image of people waiting in the rain for a job highlights the desperation and uncertainty that many working-class people face. However, Levine also captures the pride and dignity that can come from hard work, saying, "It's the only way to get ahead./ It's the father's voice,/ loud and authoritative,/ insisting his son knows the score."
Interpretation
Levine's poetry collection offers a powerful commentary on the struggles and triumphs of the working class. Through his raw and honest depictions of factory workers, the unemployed, and others, he reveals the humanity and dignity that can be found in even the most difficult circumstances. His poetry also highlights the ways in which work – whether physical, mental, or emotional – shapes our lives and identities.
One of the key themes of the collection is the idea of connection. Levine's poetry brings together the disparate experiences of working-class people, highlighting the shared struggles and triumphs that unite them. He also connects the working class to other groups, such as jazz musicians, who share similar experiences of struggle and resilience.
Another important theme of the collection is the idea of hope. Despite the difficult circumstances that many working-class people face, Levine's poetry offers a sense of optimism and possibility. He shows that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty, compassion, and humanity to be found.
Conclusion
Philip Levine's poetry collection, "What Work Is," is a powerful and moving exploration of the lives of working-class people in America. Through his raw and honest depictions of factory workers, the unemployed, and others, he reveals the humanity and dignity that can be found in even the most difficult circumstances. His poetry offers a sense of connection and hope, highlighting the shared struggles and triumphs that unite us all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Work Is: A Poetic Ode to the Working Class
Philip Levine's "What Work Is" is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the essence of the working-class struggle. The poem is a tribute to the dignity of labor and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of economic hardship. Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a means to an end, but a fundamental part of our identity and purpose.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the speaker and his brother waiting in line for a job. The line is long and the men are tired, but they are determined to find work. The speaker notes that they are "waiting for the miracle" of a job offer, but he knows that the odds are against them. The job market is tough, and there are many others like them who are also looking for work.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the nature of work and its importance in our lives. He notes that work is not just a way to make money, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way of life. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for work, but for a way to define themselves. He says, "We stand in the rain in a long line / waiting at Ford Highland Park. / For work. You know what work is—if you're / old enough to read this you know what / work is, although you may not do it."
Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a job, but a way to define ourselves and our place in the world. It is a way to connect with others and to contribute to society. The speaker notes that the men in the line are not just looking for a paycheck, but for a sense of purpose and meaning. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it.
In conclusion, "What Work Is" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the working-class struggle. Levine's words are a reminder that work is not just a means to an end, but a fundamental part of our identity and purpose. The poem is a tribute to the dignity of labor and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of economic hardship. It is a call to action for all of us to recognize the value of work and to support those who are struggling to find it.
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