I was eight years old when Dairy Queen introduced their now-famous Blizzard. A perfect concoction of ice cream and candy, it nurtured the young eater that I was, and led me to gain more than a few pounds during that magical summer. Years later, working a dead-end temp job in Chicago, my life had a lot less magic. But the Dairy Queen Blizzard visited me in my dreams one night, giving me solace and hope. The dream was so vivid and so intense, that I spent most of the next day writing a poem about the Blizzard; and I share that fine poem with you now.

Dan as a weighty youngster, circa 1987, around the time he discovered the Dairy Queen Blizzard.

I Dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard Last Night

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
With M&Ms, ice cream and more
It was filled to the bottom with toppings
Heath Bars and Reese’s galore

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
A creamy and crunchy cold treat
I almost chewed right through my pillow
Cause the dream made me eager to eat

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
So real I could taste it I’m sure
I woke and I just had to have one
So I jumped up and ran out the door

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
A vision both cruel and sublime
Cause I must be at work at 8:30
And DQ doesn’t open till nine

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
Now I’m stuck at my desk like a knave
But I know it will just be a matter of time
Till my stomach receives what it craves

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
And I thought of it till work did end
Then I ran like the world’s fastest sprinter
To the DQ that’s just ‘round the bend

I dreamed of a Dairy Queen Blizzard last night
And at last my great dream has come true
Candy and ice cream in perfect proportion
I’ll love you forever, DQ.

For more on the Dairy Queen Blizzard, and other meteorological desserts, listen to the newest episode of The Sporkful podcast.