08/07/2026
A poem about my favorite kind of people, by Marge Piercy
“To Be Of Use”
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes
almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
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 feel like the people of Tularosa are like this. I am proud to know you!
Jonathan Holmes
Oasis Enterprises, LLC