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.