Habemus Papem
By Lawrence “Mack in Texas” Hall
After the Passing of the Bishop of Rome
“The first task of a bishop is to pray.” -Pope Francis, The closeness of bishops (20 September 2019)
I think I’m the only Catholic in all of Christendom
Who is not giving the Holy Spirit instructions
On whom to choose for the next Bishop of Rome
And, shut my mouth, I mean to keep it that way
Watching for Smoke from Vatican Hill
On the Occasion of the Papal Conclave
Latins and Sabines may have watched for smoke
From the Vatican Hill across the way
Wondering if a careless shepherd had set a fire
Beyond the Seven Hills of holy Rome
We several tribes of nations still watch for smoke
From the Vatican Hill across our screens
Anticipating a careful, caring shepherd
And trusting the Holy Spirit to send us fire
Outside a happier palace, open to all lands
Where Saint Peter may better warm his hands
And There Was Smoke Indeed
Leo XIV blessed us today
And there was smoke indeed, in clouds and waves
Great heaps of hopes and prayers and expectations
For now, perhaps unexamined petitions and prayers
So if we cheer for him today, will we ignore him tomorrow?
Let us not lay our contradictions upon him
Asking of him what we are not willing to give
Even a poor basket with some loaves and fish
Or a veil to wipe away the tears of suffering
Now blessed is the humble man who braves
That smoke as it roils in clouds and waves
LogoSophia Magazine 