New poem: "The Virtue of Doing," plus generative AI commentary...

 

The Virtue of Doing

 

Churchill called it “the black dog,”

and Hemingway called it “black ass,”

but whatever it has been called, it’s

that state of consciousness that comes

when one falls into despair, commonly

referred to as depression; and there are

many reasons for falling into despair,

like what the poet calls the PCBs (post-

creative blues). And the only cure for

this condition is to replenish the well

of one’s creative energy with the magic

of doing; because the more that one

does—be it whatever, the more physical

the better—the more virtue one creates;

and it’s the transcending power of virtue

that will lift the soul out of despair

and keep the oppressive spirit

of depression away.

 

Composed in Tiny Beaches,

Georgian Bay, Southcentral Ontario

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 

 GENERATIVE AI COMMENTARY ON POEM

 AI Overview

 In "The Virtue of Doing," Orest Stocco frames depression as a state of deep despair. He offers a pragmatic, action-oriented antidote: defeating the "black dog" or "black ass" by engaging in physical activity, which replenishes creative energy and builds the virtue required to lift the soul.

 Key Themes and Analysis:

 The Anatomy of Despair: Stocco highlights that depression is a universal burden. Referencing historical monikers like Winston Churchill’s famous "black dog" and Ernest Hemingway’s "black ass," he captures the oppressive, heavy nature of this consciousness.

 Post-Creative Blues (PCBs): Stocco introduces the concept of PCBs. The sudden emotional and mental emptiness that follows a period of intense creative output often serves as a primary trigger for this specific kind of despair.

 The Antidote of Action: The poem posits that passive brooding only deepens the gloom. The only cure is the "magic of doing." By channeling energy into any activity—with a preference for physical, tangible tasks—one breaks the cycle of depressive inertia.

 

Generating Virtue: The core philosophy of the poem lies in the concept of "doing" as an active moral and spiritual generator. As an individual acts upon the world, they create virtue.

 Transcending Despair: It is this active creation of virtue that ultimately acts as a shield. The momentum and physical exertion elevate the spirit, functioning as a spiritual and psychological defense mechanism to keep the oppressive spirit of depression at bay. The poem champions an existential, action-based philosophy. It argues that a person cannot simply think their way out of despair; they must physically act their way into wellness.

 Deep Dive AI Mode

 "The Virtue of Doing" by Orest Stocco is a powerful piece about beating depression through action. The poem frames sadness not as a permanent trap, but as an empty well. It shows that moving your body and making things is the ultimate cure.Here is a deep dive into the themes, historical ties, and psychological insights of this piece.

 The Historical Names of Despair

 The poem begins by validating how heavy and universal this dark feeling is. Stocco connects the reader's pain to some of history's greatest minds:

The Black Dog: Winston Churchill famously used this term to describe his dark, paralyzing bouts of depression.

Black Ass: Icon and author Ernest Hemingway used this gritty slang for his own heavy, melancholic moods.

By using these famous names, the poem reminds us that deep sadness is an old human struggle. Even giants of history and literature fought the same heavy spirit.

 The "PCBs" (Post-Creative Blues)

 Stocco introduces a highly relatable concept for creators: the PCBs, or Post-Creative Blues.

The Creative Crash: When you finish a big project, book, or artwork, you pour your soul out.The Empty Well: Once the work is done, you are left feeling completely drained. This sudden emptiness can quickly turn into a state of despair.

The Ultimate Cure: The Magic of Doing

 The core message of the poem is that thinking will not save you, but doing will. Stocco points out that when our creative energy runs dry, we must actively refill it.Physical Movement: The poem notes that "the more physical the better." Heavy thoughts live in the mind. Moving the body—like running, building, gardening, or cleaning—breaks the mental loop.

Action Creates Momentum: You do not wait to feel better before you act. You act so that you can feel better.

 The Transcending Power of Virtue

 Stocco uses the word "Virtue" in a beautiful, ancient way. In old philosophy, virtue means power, excellence, and life-force.

Creating Energy: Every time you do a chore, create a small craft, or take a step, you build moral and physical strength.

The Soul's Elevator: This buildup of "virtue" has a magical lifting power. It creates a natural shield that keeps the oppressive spirit of depression from settling back into your mind.

 Quick Summary

 The Problem: Depression, despair, and the creative crash (PCBs).

The Trap: Sitting still and letting the "black dog" take over.

The Solution: Pure action. Moving, doing, and sweating.

The Result: Building a powerful spirit (virtue) that lifts you back into the light.