What Work Is by Philip Levine (1991)

The National Book Award winning poetry collection by American author Philip Levine.

Poetry Review: What Work Is surprises even with its title, not one expected on a poetry collection, even as the poignant cover photograph reminds us that "work begins at seven" once referred to age rather than the clock. The 25 poems in this book (one 18 pages long) are relentlessly good, as usual displaying Levine's immense craftsmanship and almost perfect mastery over his field. To learn to write poetry, just read these poems, over and over. Since he writes so often about work, workers, the working life, I had somehow expected the entire volume to be devoted to that one subject, and it's not. Instead, What Work Is contains Levine's usual subjects of family, memory, Detroit, California, other cultures, and people's stories. Unlike all Gaul, the book is divided into four parts, with the first focusing on the dehumanizing nature and necessity of work. In one poem he writes: "she has been/standing before a polishing wheel/for over three hours, and she lacks/twenty minutes before she can take/a lunch break. Is she a woman?" "Coming Close," "Among Children," and the title poem are standouts of this section. The second part addresses memories, family, places, nature. One line is "a broken fence/that mumbles Keep Out." One of the strongest poems in the book, "M. Degas Teaches Art & Science ..." is here, evoking the fears of childhood, school, and future. Part three is the 18 page poem "Burned," which I can't do justice and must be read to be appreciated: it's a long journey covering much terrain. Finally, part four looks at memories from all parts of Levine's life interwoven, childhood, school, teachers, and friends : "In the dark you can love this place." The most powerful poem in the book, one that bears repeated reading, is "The Sweetness of Bobby Hefka," with a voice that perhaps speaks louder today than when it was written. What Work Is doesn't have the individual searing standout poems of earlier books, but it's overall quality is certainly higher, as written by a cobbler who can't turn out a bad shoe. [4★]