The Sunday Poem: “Snowfall” by Bernard Saint

January 10th, 2026

The Sunday Poem is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work.

Bernard Saint reads his poem at its conclusion.

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photo of Claude Thornhill (1947) by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress

Snowfall
…………………….after Claude Thornhill’s jazz tone-poem

What is the depth of time?
Rockets ricochet at height
Only to re-emphasise a void

They search confounded and revised
Yet there is such room (not large)
Within our own dimension for dimensions

As particles of snow ensue from slow
Cold cloud –
Traverse this journey solitary-wise

Each flake is un-conformed of sensitive design
To co-inhere – mankind
How much too are you delineated?

When height of space
At depth denies
Small and smaller hallows

Cradled in the palm one moment safe
Beyond our bray of banter and of barter –
What is the depth of time?

Listen to Bernard Saint read his poem

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Bernard Saint is a U.K. poet who has published in U.K. and United States literary magazines since the 1960’s. He is a regular contributor to International Times. His most recent book is ROMA, published by Smokestack Books. He worked as a therapist and supervisor in the U.K. National Health Service in psychiatry and in addiction recovery.

Listen to the 1941 recording of Claude Thornhill and His Orchestra performing his composition (and theme song) “Snowfall,” with Thornhill, (piano); Conrad Gozzo, (first trumpet); Lyle F. “Rusty” Dedrick, Bob Sprentall, (trumpets); Tasso Harris and Bob Jenney, (trombones) Irving H. “Fazola” Prestopnik, Dale Brown, Ted Goddard, George Paulsen, John Nelson, Hammond Russom, (clarinets and saxophones); Alan Hanlon, (guitar); Harvey Sell, (bass); Gene Leman, (drums). [Legacy/Columbia]