Hoosier Barn

I returned to the place of my birth a few months ago.
Visiting there always gives my languid soul a glow.
The house still looks good but the old barn is showing its age.
How long it will weather the storms is difficult to gauge!

Sad to say, its once sturdy beams and doors are sagging.
Its former brilliant red paint and white trim are also lagging.
Decades of tempests and searing sun have exacted their toll.
I recall so many fond memories as about the old barn I stroll!

The old barn was our playground on snowy and rainy days.
Dad placed a hoop on a beam for our rowdy basketball plays.
Scuffling in the mow, burying ourselves in sweet-smelling hay,
We kids spent many happy hours there, whiling the time away!

All was not play for this feckless Hoosier lad.
Honest toil was proffered and expected by my Dad.
At the tender age of ten I was milking Jersey cows;
At hay-making time I was the kid sweating in the mows!

Even though the old barn is aging its hand-hewn oaken beams,
Will bind it together a few more years weathering all extremes.
'Twould be admirable if some good soul would provide the pelf,
To paint and prop it up and restore it to its former self!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Taylor Avatar
August 29, 2010 at 6:12 PM
Another great trip down memory lane, Bob. Awesome write. Enjoyed. Have a great week. Ralph
A  Avatar
August 29, 2010 at 12:51 PM
WoNDERFUL TRIP, AND MEMORIES, BoB. ENJoYED THE IMAGE OF YOU MEMORIES. I CAN IMAGING HoW IT FEELS To Go BACK To YOUR CHILD HoOD. LOL. AT THE TIME I WANTED oUT NOW I WANT TO GO BACK To THEM MEMORIES*luv~SKAT
Dietrich Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 9:11 PM
Old memories, I recall my grandparents' old farm and now it looks like a completely changed place because it was taken over. Nice poem, Robert. Thought i'd stop by and see you before turning in for the night. LUv, Andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 5:16 PM
Memories are so nice to return to Bob .. a sweet write of days gone by and enjoyed your magnificent rhyme as always.. on this happy weekend..with luv.. my friend.. my son is doing so much better today..
Haick Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 4:38 PM
A wonderful picture, Robert! This transported me to that place and time. As usual, you're an excellent storyteller! Enjoyed! Peace, Audrey
Devonshire Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Why, Bob, I dated a descendent of the Wright Brothers. His name was Leroy Wright and to this day I consider him a great friend. He went on to chair the Communications Department at Mansfield University! As you say, some people of distinction came from this area of North Carolina and you should count yourself among them. Thanks for your always kind comments. Love, Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 9:57 AM
What a great portrait you paint not only of the old red barn but of your childhood days on the farm Bob. If you seek a "good soul" to provide the pelf, perhaps, dear friend, you should look to yourself! Why not restore it if you have a chance and still own the property. It would help keep these wonderful memories alive. Great poem! Love, Carolyn
Neels Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Bob, enjoyed this journey back to your childhood, some awesome memories you have and with the years gone they will always bring a smile to you face.. Was fun taking this journey with you.. Enjoy your weekend as well :) Wilma
A   Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 9:14 AM
Nice Bob H., the visit is so alive in my mind. I once took a visit to my fathers old ranch, and the barn was the only thing growing with age. The memories of me playing where kids are not allowed made me smile..Climbing on the beams, which where still there.lol. the only thing still holding the barn. LOL,, our barn had a basket ball hoop attached as well, never used it I was to busy playing on them tractors...Yes I was a trouble maker,,good thing we lived on a Ranch. ENJOYED your poem,..LeeAn
Falotico Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Great memories my friend.. Shame things always seem to change from what we remember...a great write always Michael
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