For Saundra

I wanted to write a poem
that rhymes
but revolution doesn't lend itself
to be-bopping

then my neighbor
who thinks i hate
asked-do you ever
write tree poems- i like trees
so i thought i'll write
a beautiful green tree poem
peeked from the window
to check the image
noticed the schoolyard
was covered with asphalt-
no trees grown in Manhattan

then, well, I thought the sky
ill do a big blue sky poem
but all the clouds have winged low
since no-Dick was elected

so I thought again and it occurred to me
that maybe I shouldn't write at all
but clean my gun
and check my kerosene supply

perhaps these are not
poetic times at all

Nikki Giovanni