Last Updated on 7 September 2026

On the Red Green Show, every episode has sketches with Red Green reading poetry based on the season. The first batch is called "The Winter of Our Discount Tent." This is where Red Green is sitting in the woods in the snow and he reads a poem that starts with "It Is Winter." Here are some of my favorites.

• It is winter.
  Down the hill you race, flat on your back, screaming, eyes closed, on a toboggan.
  Up the hill you go, flat on your back, screaming, eyes closed, on a stretcher.
• It is winter.
  The windows are frosted over.
  Nothing can be seen through this white patchwork of ice crystals.
  The entire winter world is blocked from view.
  But don't worry, you know this road like the back of your hand.
• It is winter.
  Children's laugher at the front door.
  They tumble into the house, boots off, hats off.
  Sweaters, snowsuits, scarves, and mittens are peeled away.
  Hey, these aren't your kids.
• It is winter.
  On the front lawn, a big, round, white figure.
  His nose is a carrot. His eyes, black coal. His mouth is a potato. His ears are sticks.
  We have the world's ugliest postman.
• It is winter.
  A friend hits you in the face with a snowball.
  And as it melts, you become aware that he has a new puppy.
• It is winter.
  We hitched the horse up to the sleigh, like Grandfather used to do.
  Over hills and through the dells we'd glide for an hour or two.
  And soon my ears are brittle and my mouth is frozen shut.
  My eyes are locked wide open and all I see is the horse's butt.
• It is winter.
  Your breath forms huge clouds that billow out and block your face.
  Hot air, thick and swirling.
  That's what you get for eating skunk.
• It is winter.
  Outside, the snow is piled deep.
  The north wind blows all night.
  But here, inside, you're snuggled warm, your face bathed in orange light
  From the cigarette lighter as you wait for the tow truck.