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