Marge Piercy describes the values of work and people's attitudes towards it. She admires the people most who go straightly work than linger around like a shadow. Those who don't waste time are confident and move forward. She appreciates the hard work of people who works like an ox to a heavy cart. They become successful with patience and perseverance. The repetition of task straining in mud will go forward as they know what has to be done. 

The poem tells the reader that the speaker wants people to work totally like in the process of harvesting, and work in a group. Hard work and the temperament to sustain that level of work over a prolonged period of time are very attractive to the speaker. The parlor generals who only give orders aren't worthwhile so its important to move in the rhythm to work in the field to set the food right.

In the last stanza, the poet compares the world with mud. It can smear the hand but it gives an immense sense of satisfaction after the completion of work. work takes a toll and sometimes it doesn't even pay off. 

The accomplished work is compared with Greek amphora, a traditional Greek vase that would hold wine or oil. These are well crafted, and like hard work, are a beauty to behold when completed. They are despite placed in museums, are created to be used as a person men to work.