Smoke Signals

In this age of tweets and twitter Or the Oscar envelope, It’s really strange the way we learn They’ve chosen a new Pope. A chimney in the Vatican, Where ballots have been burned, Sends smoke up as a signal To all Catholics concerned. The smoke may be quite black, which means They haven’t yet decided. Perhaps the Cardinals inside Are stuck or else divided. But when they’ve reached a verdict Then the smoke is white and pure, To let the waiting populace Know that they’re really sure. I guess with some traditions The old-fashioned way is best And with that white smoke billowing, All doubts were put to rest.