'By Their Works' by Bob Hicok

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Who cleaned up the Last Supper?
These would be my people.
Maybe hung over, wanting
desperately a better job,
standing with rags
in hand as the window
beckons with hills
of yellow grass. In Da Vinci,
the blue robed apostle
gesturing at Christ
is saying, give Him the check.
What a mess they've made
of their faith. My God
would put a busboy
on earth to roam
among the waiters
and remind them to share
their tips. The woman
who finished one
half eaten olive
and scooped the rest
into her pockets,
walked her tiny pride home
to children who looked
at her smile and saw
the salvation of a meal.
All that week
at work she ignored
customers who talked
of Rome and silk
and crucifixions,
though she couldn't stop
thinking of this man
who said thank you
each time she filled
His glass.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

By Their Works: An Intensely Humanistic Poem

As a piece of literature, By Their Works by Bob Hicok is a powerful and poignant exploration into the nature of humanity, morality, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. This 48-line poem is a profound meditation on the value of human life and how the choices we make ultimately define us. At its core, the poem is a celebration of the human spirit – of our ability to create, to love, to heal, and to leave a positive legacy on the world.

The Power of Human Choice

One of the key themes of By Their Works is the power of human choice. The poem opens with a powerful statement about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions: “The dead don't hum, 'I did it my way.'” This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central message that our choices are what define us.

Throughout the poem, Hicok explores the idea that our lives are shaped by the choices we make. He writes, “We're written by the lives we lead / to be read by the lives we lead after we're dead.” This line is a powerful reminder that the choices we make in life have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our own lifetimes.

The Importance of Leaving a Positive Legacy

Another central theme of By Their Works is the importance of leaving a positive legacy. Hicok writes, “We're all going to die, all of us, / what a circus! / That alone should make us love each other / but it doesn't.” This line is a powerful commentary on the state of the world today, and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Throughout the poem, Hicok emphasizes the idea that the legacy we leave behind is the most important thing we can do in life. He writes, “the dead are not judged / by what they did not do / but what they did, and what they did / was as much as they could do.” This line is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to make a positive difference in the world, no matter how small our actions may seem.

The Value of Human Life

Perhaps the most powerful theme of By Their Works is the value of human life. Hicok writes, “We're all going to die, all of us, / what a circus! / That alone should make us love each other / but it doesn't.” This line is a powerful reminder that life is precious, and that we should cherish every moment we have with the people we love.

Throughout the poem, Hicok emphasizes the idea that the value of human life is not measured by our accomplishments, but by our ability to love and connect with others. He writes, “The dead are not less but more / by the extent of their absence.” This line is a powerful reminder that the people we love and the relationships we build are what give our lives meaning and value.

The Power of Language

One of the most striking features of By Their Works is the power of Hicok’s language. The poem is rich with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors that bring the themes of the poem to life. For example, Hicok writes, “We're all going to die, all of us, / what a circus!” This line is a powerful metaphor for the chaotic and unpredictable nature of human life.

Throughout the poem, Hicok uses language to paint a vivid picture of the human experience. He writes, “We're written by the lives we lead / to be read by the lives we lead after we're dead.” This line is a powerful metaphor for the way in which our actions and choices shape our identities and the legacy we leave behind.

Conclusion: A Celebration of the Human Spirit

In conclusion, By Their Works by Bob Hicok is a powerful and deeply humanistic poem that celebrates the power of the human spirit. Through vivid language and powerful imagery, Hicok explores the themes of human choice, the importance of leaving a positive legacy, the value of human life, and the power of language. Ultimately, the poem is a reminder that we all have the power to make a positive difference in the world, and that our choices are what define us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

By Their Works: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Bob Hicok's poem, "By Their Works," is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human existence. The poem is a reflection on the impact of our actions on the world around us and the legacy we leave behind. It is a powerful reminder that our lives are not just about ourselves but also about the people we touch and the world we leave behind.

The poem begins with the line, "We are what we do," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a simple statement, but it carries a profound message. Our actions define us, and they have a lasting impact on the world around us. The poem then goes on to describe the different ways in which people leave their mark on the world.

The first stanza talks about the people who build things. They are the ones who create the physical structures that shape our world. They are the architects, engineers, and construction workers who build our homes, schools, and cities. They are the ones who make our world a more livable place. The stanza ends with the line, "they build the world, and the world remembers them."

The second stanza talks about the people who create art. They are the ones who use their creativity to express themselves and to inspire others. They are the painters, writers, musicians, and actors who create works of art that touch our souls. They are the ones who make our world a more beautiful place. The stanza ends with the line, "they create beauty, and the world is grateful."

The third stanza talks about the people who help others. They are the ones who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. They are the doctors, nurses, teachers, and social workers who work tirelessly to help those in need. They are the ones who make our world a more compassionate place. The stanza ends with the line, "they help others, and the world is better for it."

The fourth stanza talks about the people who fight for justice. They are the ones who stand up for what is right and fight against injustice. They are the activists, lawyers, and politicians who work to create a more just society. They are the ones who make our world a more fair and equal place. The stanza ends with the line, "they fight for justice, and the world is more just because of them."

The final stanza brings the poem full circle by reminding us that our actions have consequences. It tells us that we will be remembered for what we do and that our legacy will be the world we leave behind. The stanza ends with the line, "we are what we do, and the world will remember us for it."

The poem is a powerful reminder that our lives are not just about ourselves but also about the people we touch and the world we leave behind. It is a call to action to make a difference in the world and to leave a positive legacy. It reminds us that we have the power to shape the world around us and that our actions can have a lasting impact.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich in metaphors and imagery. The use of metaphors helps to create a vivid picture of the different ways in which people leave their mark on the world. The imagery is also powerful, particularly in the second stanza, where the description of the artists creating beauty is particularly vivid.

The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The phrase "they" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the different ways in which people make a difference in the world. The repetition of the phrase "we are what we do" also emphasizes the central message of the poem.

In conclusion, "By Their Works" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human existence. It is a powerful reminder that our lives are not just about ourselves but also about the people we touch and the world we leave behind. It is a call to action to make a difference in the world and to leave a positive legacy. The poem is rich in metaphors and imagery and is notable for its use of repetition. It is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it, and it is a poem that will inspire them to make a difference in the world.

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