Pea Soup and Dumplings and Hugs from Abi-Gumplins

Come gather round till I tells ya ‘bout A Newfie’s favourite meal

Made with ham and veggies, dumplings and split peas

It might not appetize you, the look might put you off

But back at home where I comes from, we calls it quite the scoff

*

So plank your arse down at the table, prepare to have a feast

And when you’re done, I’m sure you won’t be hungry in the least

I promise that you’ll love it. The taste will warm your soul

Kick off your shoes, loosen your belt, and grab yourself a bowl

*

We gather with the family, to have a celebration

There’s food and drink, laughs and hugs, all mixed with conversation

And when we’re done with greetings, and dinner time comes due

We happily sit down for a bowl of dumplings and pea soup

*

When I’m feeling famished, am about to stuff me mout’

I hear a voice behind me yell, “Wadda ya at, me ol’ trout.”

Bless his soul, if it ain’t be, George from on the hill

“Lard tunderin Jaysus, Jarge, come join us if you will.”

*

When we’re done, and feeling stuffed, and can’t get off our asses

Here comes another dumplin’, smothered in molasses

Me gut’s so full, I got no room for one more bite of food

But turning down a lassie dumpling, well that would be just rude

*

I finish off the lassie dumplin’ and feel like a beached whale

I have no strength to move a muscle. It hurts me to inhale

I’m sure I’m going to explode, if I don’t get off the seat

“Dis will fix your belly, me love,” a soothing cup of tea

*

When the night is over, and the time has come to leave

Another round of welcome hugs is given and received

I get back home, fling open the door, and toss away my hat

Passed out, belly up on the floor, there’s Abigail, my cat

*

She’s been alone for the whole evening, how could I be so cruel

She runs away from my pets, thinking I’m just brutal

But when I plop down on the couch and curl up in a huddle

She seems to have forgiven me, and jumps up for a cuddle

*

Welcome warmth comes over me, as soothing as pea soup

Happy tears form in my eyes, I think they’re overdue

The only thing that makes my smile taste sweet as lassie dumplins

Is the love received from family and friends, and hugs from Abi-Gumplins

Pea soup is a staple dish in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The east coast dialect is unlike any heard anywhere else in Canada. I hope you have enjoyed my poem and are able to understand my use of the language.