Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's poem "Focus in Real Time" is a richly layered exploration of the intricate socio-political and economic dimensions of a simple bowl of rice. Dedicated to Margaret, who passed the California bar, the poem celebrates this achievement while simultaneously delving into the deeper implications of everyday objects and their significance in a broader context.

The poem begins with a straightforward image, "A bowl of rice," but quickly complicates this image by suggesting multiple layers of meaning: "as food as politics or metaphor / as something valuable and good or something common to consume/exploit/ignore." Here, Jordan underscores that rice, a staple food for many, is not merely sustenance. It is also a symbol of economic exchange, labor, and power dynamics. The rice can be seen as a metaphor for broader societal structures, encompassing issues of exploitation and indifference.

The sequence of questions that follows probes the entire lifecycle of the rice, from production to consumption: "Who grew these grains / Who owned the land / Who harvested the crop." Each question exposes the often-hidden processes and people behind the final product, urging the reader to consider the labor and economic systems involved. By asking, "Who converted these soft particles to money / Who kept the cash / Who shipped the consequences of the cash," Jordan points to the capitalist machinery that underlies the agricultural industry, highlighting issues of profit distribution and the global supply chain.

Jordan's focus then shifts to the consumers of the rice: "Who else was going to eat the rice / Who else was going to convert the rice to cash." These questions reflect on the cycles of consumption and economic gain, emphasizing the disparities between those who consume and those who profit. The mention of design—"Who would design the flowers for the outside of the bowl"—brings attention to the aesthetics and cultural significance of the object, suggesting that even the simplest items are embedded with meaning and history.

The poem continues to interrogate the social relations surrounding the bowl of rice: "Who would hold the bowl between her hands / Who would give the bowl away / Who could share the rice." These lines evoke a sense of community and sharing but also highlight who has access to resources and who does not. The repetitive questioning forms a rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of economic and social systems.

Jordan's mention of adoration—"Who would adore the hands that held the bowl that held the rice / Who would adore the look the smell the steam of boiled rice / in a bowl"—adds an emotional and sensory dimension to the poem. It suggests a deep appreciation for the simple yet profound act of holding and sharing food. This intimacy contrasts with the earlier focus on economic transactions, reminding readers of the personal and human aspects often overshadowed by commercial interests.

The poem concludes with a return to the broader implications of the bowl of rice: "Who will analyze the cash the rice becomes / Who will sit beside the bowl or fight for rice / Who will write about the hands that hold the bowl / Who will want to own the land / A bowl of rice." These final questions encapsulate the complex web of relationships, power, and struggles tied to a seemingly ordinary object. By framing these questions around a bowl of rice, Jordan masterfully illustrates how everyday items are intertwined with larger issues of justice, equity, and human connection.

"Focus in Real Time" is a powerful reflection on the interconnectedness of food, labor, and economy. Through her probing questions, Jordan encourages readers to look beyond the surface of everyday objects and consider the intricate networks of people, power, and politics that bring them into our lives. The poem serves as both a celebration of personal achievement and a call to awareness and action, urging us to recognize and address the deeper implications of our consumption and the systems that support it.

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