A Slice of Winter: Poetry from Burlington

We asked Buzz readers to send us a few words about what winter means to them. From a haiku to a personal memory to a poem about a fictional lost love, our readers have talent! Want to share your work with our community? Check back for opportunities to be featured in the Buzz at burlington.buzz/contest.

This story was featured in our Winter Magazine

Read our magazine today for your guide to thriving this season in Burlington.

Pond Hockey Memories

By John Sutherby

Everyone said the pond was bottomless, and filled with stolen cars. Nobody skated on it. If the ice broke, you’d freeze to death before reaching bottom, or snagged by a Cadillac.

We had other options for outdoor ice hockey, including an ice-thickness-tested pond just around the bend. Once, to save time, I walked across ole bottomless. The ice cracked, capturing me at the knee. I somehow stayed on the surface.

There’s nothing like pond hockey. Or a brother who will walk home alone to ask Mom to pick you up when your boots are unwearable blocks of ice.

As Long as It Snows

By Meghan Smith

As I watch the snow falling down
I can still see our shadows dancing around.
That night, I caught a cold
But this memory is beginning to grow mold.

They say it's time to let go—
But how could I ever let your memory die?
If there is one thing I know,
As long as I have snow, I never have to say goodbye.

So even alone, I recreate the magic
Winter often means death, making people feel tragic.
But as I build this snowman by your grave,
I think back to all the times you made me brave.

Snow Day

By Dina Accardi

The early snow swirls &
twirls across the pavement
dancing like the students' hearts
for the snow day that follows.

Haiku

By John Sutherby

Sleds escape it all.
Nothing to fear but your fears.
Swoosh them all behind.