Did you ever see the snow, have no place to go?
A fluffy patchwork quilt that grows and grows and grows.
It blankets all the sidewalks, the lampposts, streets and cars.
“It’s still snowing out there,” Papa shouts, “today, we won’t go far!”
“We’re snowed in,” Mama says, a wall of snow blocks our door.
The radio-man announces closed roads, schools and stores.
“Good thing we stocked up,” says Papa, “before the storm had passed.”
“We’ll make do,” says Mama, “But my fresh-baked bread won’t last!”
Our kitty cat, Sir Purrsalot, loves wood-burning heat.
Mama lights some candles, while the fire warms our feet.
Not everyone’s so lucky to have heat, food or lights.
Papa calls the neighbours to see if everyone’s alright.
“Best kind,” I hear Ms. Marshall say, she lives a few doors down.
Her power is still working, so we’re welcome to come ‘round.
Outside, I spot a moose, strutting down our street.
Some adults light a campfire, it’s their mid-snowstorm retreat.
We hear a couple rode snowmobile to hospital in a hurry.
They’re expecting a new baby in all these falling flurries.
People had to leave their homes up over on the hill.
An avalanche broke through a house, now their living-room is filled!
When the snow finally stops, people say it’s been the worst.
I can’t believe the piles. I want to jump in them feet-first.
The adults are all whining, but the kids think it’s a blast.
Snow forts and hills for sliding! “Look out, I’m coming in fast!”
Today, I saw a snowboarder enjoying the fresh powder.
People are sick of being stuck inside, so the streets have gotten louder.
I learn shovelling is hard work and my tiny shovel is no match.
There are rows and rows of sky-high mounds, and I’ve only cleared a patch.
Who knew we’d love the snowplows sweeping back and forth through town?
Everyone starts cheering when they hear their familiar sound.
Good thing the army has arrived to help us clear the mess!
They swing their shovels, moving snow, giving adults a brief rest.
Now the snow is clear, the sun is out and the city sighs relief.
We walk downtown, all bundled up, still in disbelief.
credits
from Snowmageddon: A Snowfall Like No Other in St. John's,
released January 3, 2021
Production and Sound Design by: Michelle Opthof and Jay Bonaparte of Paragon Cause
Narration produced by: Luke Quinton
Written and Illustrated by Jenn Thornhill Verma
Narration by: Kelsie and Leah Scott
Jenn Thornhill Verma is a journalist, landscape painter and non-profit executive from Newfoundland and Labrador, living in Ottawa. She is a proud descendent of a long line of fishers. She is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.