The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Old Barns, Old Folks and Old Wine

Old barns, old folks and old wine - an unlikely trio upon which to muse,
But the analogies will become manifest as upon each I proffer my views.
Though the vicissitudes of life have taken their toll on each (that is very clear),
They tend to become more beautiful and majestic with each passing year!

Old barns once sported crimson paint and were so handsome in their day,
But o'er the years the scorching sun turned their boards to a silvery gray.
A fragile framework of hand-hewn oak and wooden pegs holds them together.
They lean precariously but despite the howling gales, they resisted raging weather!

Like old barns, old folks may wear a few scars and wrinkles here and there,
And lean upon a cane to steady themselves and wear crowns of silver hair,
But 'tis the inner beauty of their very souls that shines in all they do,
Having overcome the storms of life and the seasons they've struggled through!

Alas, old barns and old folks lose their sap as their years steadily decline,
But they gracefully mellow as they age like a splendid vintage wine!
They've both maintained their dignity through many trials untold,
But each of them must ruefully face the fact that they are growing old!

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

Poem

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Laurie Avatar
March 25, 2015 at 2:30 AM
G'day Robert... growing old together cements history and with the pace of change these days, little will be as old as the folk who grow old. Enjoyed - Lindsay
Taylor Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Good one, my friend. Very well written. Ralph
Beer Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 11:40 AM
I came back on line to see if you had posted this poem. And as I was reading it the radio was playing, Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down." How perfect is that. An the next song is Chris Ledoux's "Hooked on an eight second Ride." Now my Magic Window is calling me so I will give you thumbs up for this poem and try to get in another read before I close. God Bless, Bob Thanks for your comment on my poem. Guess I'll have to wait till my Magic Window comes up with the sequel.
Culverhouse Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Somehow the elderly need to be reverenced in our society instead of ridiculed...they have much to offer.
Culverhouse Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 10:40 AM
well written...you have a great perspective in your writing and is much enjoyed!
Devonshire Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Some of these old barns have survived a long time (like us old folks). We have to accept the changes as we get older, and resist the "raging weather." Keen insight and wonderful imagery, Bob. Love, Carolyn
Tideswell Avatar
August 16, 2010 at 1:36 AM
This is just lovely Bob. As soon as I saw the title I knew I had to read it (hmm, maybe it was more to do with the old wine than anything). A beautiful reflection on age and passing years and those analogies...well, who'd have thought it would be nice to be likened to an old barn. Really enjoyed the read, just off to see the old barn...I mean mother ~ Sharon ;)
Roberts Avatar
August 15, 2010 at 9:29 PM
beautiful poem
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
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