I see a resurgence of interest in poetry. I am less optimistic about the prospects for the arts when it comes to federal funding.

Summary

This quote suggests that while there is a growing interest in poetry, the speaker is not optimistic about receiving federal funding for the arts. It implies that despite the increased popularity in poetry, there may be challenges in acquiring financial support from the government. This could reflect a concern regarding the allocation of funds towards artistic endeavors in contrast to other areas of public interest.