On the surface, this 1941 Elizabeth Bishop poem is about roosters. More specifically, roosters in Key West, where the poet spent a decade. But the subtexts could not be any more appropriate in terms of current events: they touch on militarism, gender roles, forgiveness, and waking up to reality. The 44 stanzas are set for soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano. A sweeping and engaging work which exhibits drama, humor, and variety!