Dispatches for the Colonial Office: A Red Card?

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Lawrence Hall

A Red Card?

We will never give each other red cards

But how about a red maple leaf from Canada?

We could walk through Bowring Park in St. John’s

And watch the children play around Peter Pan

We will never give each other red cards

But like monarchs under bright red parasols

We could be the sovereigns of each other’s hearts

Along the Chao Phraya, the River of Kings

We will never give each other red cards –

But would you like a mischievous red balloon

And a morning in Paris?

Music: “Le Ballon Rouge,” Maurice Leroux

Dispatches for the Colonial Office