Pope Frances

Pope Frances

It is a warm sunny day in Lisbon, the pope sits atop of
Mercedes Jeep, he looks like an easy target for assassins
Men in black suits and open jackets hurry alongside the jeep
except for one lifeguard, who wears a gray suit his black suit
is still at the cleaners
The pope is heading for the big park, along the route
There are thousands of young people, waving flags from many nations
Russian flag, Ukrainian banner, it is all here, except perhaps
the Israeli flag, I assume there are no catholic Jews.
Where the road narrows before going into the park, the jeep
slows down, a girl reaches out her arms the pope touches her
hand
Overwhelmed, she faints.
In the park, thousands of young people the atmosphere is
elated, people being happy among a symbol of a public faith
On a stage, young women graciously, in a decorous manner
 dance, I gather they are angels from many countries
The pope sits on a throne stool partly in away from the wind
he waves and smiles benignly to the dancers.
The Bishop of Lisbon, speaks wishing the pope welcome
he has a dreary voice, but thankfully it is a short speech
nevertheless, the people applaud
Now it is the turn of two famous female singers to sing
one sings angelically about heaven, the other sings Fado
Great applause, the bishop of Lisbon looks at his wristwatch.
Now it is the pope's turn to speak, the park is silent not
to miss a word. Alas, it is time for my biscuit and afternoon tea.