Song meaning of For Saundra by Nikki Giovanni

The song "For Saundra" by Nikki Giovanni conveys a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the world. The lyrics suggest the artist's desire to write a poem that rhymes, which typically brings joy and harmony. However, the theme of revolution doesn't allow for such lightness and playfulness. This speaks to the deeper message that the world's problems and struggles often overshadow the pursuit of simple joys.

The mention of the neighbor, who assumes the artist hates and questions their ability to write about trees, highlights the misunderstandings and assumptions people make about each other. The artist contemplates writing a beautiful green tree poem, symbolizing a connection to nature and tranquility. However, the reality of the asphalt-covered school yard, devoid of trees, represents the loss of natural beauty in urban areas.

Similarly, the artist's attempt to write a big blue sky poem is hindered by the political climate. The metaphorical clouds, which could represent hope and optimism, have fallen, possibly due to the election of someone unsavory. This reflects a disillusionment with political leadership and the impact it has on society.

The artist then contemplates abandoning writing altogether, humorously suggesting cleaning their gun and checking their kerosene supply as a more practical response to the troubled times. This cynicism suggests a loss of faith in art's ability to bring about meaningful change.

Overall, these lyrics convey a message of dissatisfaction with the current state of the world and a questioning of the role of poetry and art in times of turmoil. It suggests that the artist is grappling with the idea that these may not be poetic times at all, which could be seen as a call to action or a resignation to the harsh realities of the world.