This week has been weird. Weirdly wonderful. Here on the Gulf coast, we had a snowstorm that broke records all the way back to 1899. The snow fell all day on Tuesday and shut down the whole area for two days. Businesses opened up on Thursday, but we haven’t gone back to school. Our water systems are not built to handle this kind of weather and single digit temperatures, so water pipes have burst and water pressure is down. In Coteau, where one of my schools is located, they cut off water for 12 hours. But my students and my grandchildren have had a blast!
I can’t stop writing about it. On Tuesday, the Ethical ELA Open Write prompt was introduced by Erica Johnson. You can read the full prompt and lots of great poems here.
Enzo Blizzard 2025
It wasn’t until I walked in the snow
that I discovered
snow is wet. In the movies, actors
never seem bedraggled.And now as a historic blizzard
pours down snow, I remember
my rain boots in the dusty box,
dig out the snap-on hood for the coat,
and place a towel by the back door.And yet, snow is silent
surprising me with a steady
fluttering rhythm of soft white flakes.I know this phenomenon is unreal,
ethereal, a moment I want to keep
in a photograph to cherish
and hold.
Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
I marked liked although I am sure broken pipes are nothing to be liked! What a great moment for the kids to enjoy and understand what snow really is like. Cold, wet and sometimes wonderful. We are just in the cold with little snow. Enough to make the grass be white but not enough for snow people or sledding. I do hope it melts soon for you and the plants make it through.
So true that actors brush dry snow off their shoulders when they walk inside, yet by the time you get into a warm house, real snow is already sopping your hair. Great observation! I hope that everyone’s water pipes are quickly repaired, but I am also happy that you were able to enjoy this windfall of a snowfall!
I’m glad that even with its challenges, the snow has been enticing in its own way. I like the specificity of your poem, bringing us right there with you. xo
I love the silence of snow! So glad you and your students and grands got to experience its magic. I hope the frozen pipes and water problems get resolved quickly.
The good part is I get another day with grandchildren because their pipes froze. Our house is fine.
I’m so glad you got to experience the magic of the way snow changes everything — looks, sounds, smells (have you written about the smell of snow yet? add that to the list). Sorry about the frozen pipes. You already know too much (ie hurricanes) about how nature will do what it will with human structures.
I had to laugh as I read the lines about realizing snow is wet and how the actors in snow never seem “bedraggled”. I love then, how you turned to the beauty of snow falling. I’ve been thinking about the children in your area and the excitement they must be feeling. Such memories you’ll all have!
Yes. I decided to make a photo book about it. So much fun! And we still have patches that haven’t melted.
Margaret, snow in Louisiana-what next for climate change??? The photo your daughter took is beautiful. Snow is ethereal-yes-when it floats through the air like butterfly. Your little ones should enjoy every bit of fallen snow. Be watchful because winter white snow also turns to dirty snow as cars fly through the streets.
Look at that big ole oak tree holding out limbs for snow too. What fun! Yes, snow is wet and cold and icky. But, it can be as fun as what your photographs show. I think a book of snow pics will be fabulous to have for the future–your grands now have this special memory. Isn’t that so great!? It’s so fun to see a poem of discovery of snow.
I love this crazy opportunity for all of you and hope there hasn’t been much disaster for anyone, only joy and surprises! That silence that comes is unique and precious–glad you got to experience that, and all the wild shrieks of happiness that came after!
Margaret, I’ve loved seeing the photos of your grands with you in the snow. They are building memories that will keep them smiling for years.
Patricia
If you know children, you know there was a fair share of whining, too, but mostly it was pure fun, especially the sledding on a sheet of plastic. We made do with what we had.
It’s been a delight to see all your pictures of everyone loving the snow, Margaret, but I’m sorry about the pipes, probably very worrisome & stressful for those who had bursts & for the plumbers, a new thing! Like others, I laughed at the idea of “snow is wet”. Experiencing a new phenomenon can be so delightful. I’ve seen pics of all kinds of sleds down your way & along the coast – awesome creativity. I love “fluttering rhythm of soft white flakes”. It’s snowing here again today & I will think of that while looking, & going, out! Keep cozy!
The problems associated with the storm kept us out of school for the whole week. Water pressure is the biggest challenge on the school system, but I look forward to going back and hearing all my students’ stories of fun. They will be writing their best Slices next week.
So wild! I hope you enjoyed the snow. We’ve had lots of snow and frigid temps and we didn’t have flushing toilets the last hour of school on Thursday because of a water main break!
The water pressure and bursting pipes have kept us out of school all week. Flushing is important! We take so much for granted until its gone. I hope you enjoy snow. I think we’ve had our fill, but it was fun.
You’ve captured the experientialness of your snow phenomena well, and your pic adds to all, thanks Margaret–for sharing your mini snow vacation!
I love the wonder and joy of this poem and this moment, Margaret. Yes, there are dramas – but also there is magic. Cling to the magic!
I know this lovely home appreciated the kind gesture of that towel, Margaret. Wonderful snow blanket vista & wonderful poem. Appreciations.
We were snow draped in Tallahassee, too:
Gosh, what a crazy experience. I love that photo of the back of your house. This year will be talked about for generations to come! Fun!
Oh, Margaret, your poem is a perfect snapshot (to go along with that perfect snapshot, lol.) What weather. Bursting pipes are not fun, but I’m glad you are all taking some joy in the weirdness of your weather!