Summary

The poem "Grounded" by Jenny Justice reflects on the comfort and mindfulness found in daily routines and the tangible aspects of life that keep one anchored amidst the chaos of worries and hypotheticals.

Abstract

"Grounded" is a contemplative poem that emphasizes the significance of appreciating the present moment through the lens of everyday rituals. The speaker finds solace in the predictability of routine, from the morning coffee preparation to the mundane tasks of pumping gas and doing laundry. These small, consistent actions serve as a counterbalance to the abstract and often overwhelming concerns of life. The poem suggests that by focusing on these immediate, physical experiences, one can achieve a state of mindfulness, reducing the mental ping-pong between past regrets and future anxieties. The speaker acknowledges the presence of these worries but chooses to prioritize the tangible connections with family and personal creativity, symbolized by the presence of their daughter, partner, and their own poetry. The act of counting the steps to their apartment is a deliberate practice in staying present and grounded in the here and now.

Opinions

The poet values the predictability and routine of daily life as a source of comfort and healing.
Mindfulness is achieved through focusing on immediate, physical tasks rather than getting lost in abstract worries.
The poem conveys a belief that the present moment holds everything one needs, suggesting a form of contentment with the now.
The speaker sees the act of engaging in routine tasks as a way to counteract the distracting nature of past and future concerns.
There is an appreciation for the small things in life, such as coffee, gas, and laundry quarters, as grounding elements that make up the essence of a day.
The poem suggests that personal connections, represented by the presence of the speaker's daughter and love, are crucial in maintaining a sense of groundedness.
The act of writing and engaging with poetry is presented as a way to capture and savor the present moment.

Grounded

A Poem

And all I want to do is figure it out. Going through each day in awe of the practical,

because it happens and happens again — predictability heals. Trying to focus on these tiny things

in the morning the coffee grinder grinds, the hot water kettle boils,

the coffee sits in the filter, the hot water pours.

There is hot coffee. I put sugar in my cup first

then the hot coffee then creamer or milk —

then and then and then I seek the next known thing the next routine.

Today I noted that when pumping gas make sure you hit the kind you want you do not get to change it after the fact.

Today I noted that when doing laundry in an apartment complex it is best to have pockets to carry the quarters.

Every day a new thing to add to the list of things that just might lead to mindful,

might lead to less past and future back and forth jumping that might grab and say: hey this is right now and it is exactly all you have —

coffee, gas, laundry quarters, the small things that make up a day

that ground and anchor, when the big things of worry and what if’s

are balloons above my head and my hand still holding the strings. They bump together in strong winds they want my attention

they tell me they might fly away if I am not careful but I know they are not as real, not as now not as

actually happening. I reach over

my daughter is here I look up

my love is here I look down

my poem is here I can almost touch it all at once

not to grab not to cling not to cry sad or happy tears but to just hold a minute

gently things that are as mine as mine can get in all of this life.

The focus is in the looking. Fifteen steps up to my apartment,

same every time yet I count each one

just to make sure I stay grounded.

Jenny Justice is a poet mom who brings poetry to life in ways that spark empathy, connection, joy, and feeling. You can read more of her poetry at Justice Poetic. Sign up for her poem a week newsletter here.

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