For One Who Would Rather Not Hear It

Among arches and neglected gates
 cherubs, in immaculate balance,
 stand round-bellied, white stone flaked.
 Birds, in pedestaled basins
 where new rainwater pools,
 preen, tented in bougainvillea
 bowed with dense red clusters.
 Come through your crowded garden
 with soft-scuffed sandal-fall,
 your broad-brimmed hat attired
 with a single dandelion;
 and in such mean regalia
 with only the bees for fanfare,
 two cardinals suddenly flourish,
 and thresh your favorite praise.