Red scarf

With the Pope retiring for the first time in 600 years, I watch the lady in blue and red across the way, feeding the ducks with corn and bread.  The two events connect in my mind.  The lady and the Pope cast bread to the crowd assembled.

The woman across the way

Wears a blue jacket

With a red scarf,

A dark blue hat.

It is icy cold this morning.

I am glad

For the spot of red.

Now she stands at the top

Of the steps,

Surveys the ducks

Like the Pope

From his balcony

In the Vatican.

My lady in blue

With red accompaniment

Rivals the Pope.

Look

She appeared again

With bread for the ducks.

That seals it.

I never saw the Pope

Cast bread

From his balcony

To the crowd assembled below

On a particularly frigid day.