"When I work I am pure as an angel tiger and clear is my eye and hot my brain and silent all the whining grunting piglets of the appetites"

In this vibrant and evocative quote by Marge Piercy, the act of working is depicted as a transformative and almost transcendent experience. The phrase "pure as an angel tiger" is a fascinating juxtaposition. Angels often symbolize innocence, pureness, and spiritual clarity, while tigers stimulate images of power, strength, and raw impulse. By combining these two images, Piercy suggests that the speaker attains a state of best consistency and focus, mixing gentleness with strength.

The line "clear is my eye and hot my brain" further highlights this state of heightened awareness and psychological precision. "Clear is my eye" indicates that the speaker has a focused vision or a clear sense of function. This clarity of sight recommends the capability to translucent diversions, focusing on what is genuinely important. On the other hand, "hot my brain" conveys intense intellectual energy and enthusiasm. The brain is metaphorically on fire, suggesting that the procedure of working sparks innovative or intellectual fervor.

Lastly, Piercy describes the silencing of "all the whining groaning piglets of the cravings". Here, the "piglets" represent disruptive desires and cravings which normally compete for attention. By referring to them as "whimpering groaning piglets", Piercy personifies these desires as loud and intrusive, akin to uneasy animals clamoring for feeding. However, when working, these interruptions are silenced, allowing the speaker to concentrate completely on the job at hand.

Overall, Piercy's imagery strongly portrays work as an act that cleanses and elevates the mind, offering a sense of extensive focus and liberation from mundane diversions. This quote commemorates the power of work to change an individual, enhancing their clarity, concentration, and creativity while dismissing the insignificant, relentless demands of life. It illustrates how the innovative or intellectually engaged mind finds deep fulfillment and liberty in the act of devoted work.