Best Barns Poems
Silos stand like sentinels
Weathered barn doors creak, cows moo
The snow dances with delight
Birds find shelter in the arms of eaves
Poem is written in "Lind30" form. A form developed by Robert Lindley
7/7/7/9 syllable or word count; poets choice.
For: Winter Wonders Within Nature Contest
Sponsored by: M.L. Kiser
Placed 5th in contest
My friend John Barnes is as special as can be.
When it comes to friends God sure blessed me.
There are some things we lose, while others we win.
Some games we play lead us into sin.
I’ve have been lucky enough without any doubt.
I have a friend who always helps me out.
He drove across the state to find me on the roam.
Said, “get into the car I’m taking you home.”
He never once asked for a thing or questioned me.
I reckon that’s how a good friend should be.
We worked together off and on, our entire life.
I’m on number eight, John’s with the same wife.
John and Lisa have most certainly had their fights.
In the end they always do what is right.
Work it out, stay together, never giving up.
Realizing they already have a full cup.
They have raised all their kids, which should include me.
I reckon that’s how a parent should be.
John’s not really my dad but he is my brother.
He’s a friend to the end like no other.
A perfect example of what a friend should be.
That’s what John Barnes has always been for me.
From the start of the game to the end of the show,
John’s been the friend who has never let go.
He has stood by my side through thick and thin.
I’m very proud to be a friend to him.
Through the love of my friend I was able to see.
This is exactly what a friend should be.
You guys know that twinkle that you see in a star.
When it comes to life that’s what good friends are.
John Barn's is my best friend. Him and I met in the Oilfields outside
of Bakersfield where he still resides. We worked together on many
different jobs together over the years operating heavy equipment. I
reckon I was about 20 years old when I first met John and Lisa, his
wife. I haven't had 8 wives but I have 3 had wives and 5 significant
others during the time we have all known each other. I'm very lucky,
as well as, very proud to have had them in my life. We may not be
blood but we are family. Several times in my life they have opened
their home and helped me. Never asking for a thing or questioning my
behavior. Of course, them I would never disrespect. Not even in my worst
days. In fact, I never was a disrespectful or rude person. I just had bad
habits. I wrote this in honor of them but it is how I feel about all of my
friends. You guys all shine in my eyes. God Bless, mj
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
Somber gray barn, boards creaking
Humble, meek and mild like the weathered dreams
Falling gentle as rainfall, calming the weary heart
With tender breaths of laughter amid the pleasures
Found beneath the edges of this massive structure
Beneath the rusty tin are stables and beasts
All thriving from the care taken by a farmer’s gift
For nurturing with sincerity and honesty and love
Brilliant rays of sunshine leaking through the boards
Coloring the dusty interior with blushing rays of light
If these battered boards could only speak
The tales they’d tell, the memories they’d bring back
Escaping the pores of gnarled and enduring lumber
As the elements blast away at the craggy assembly
Creating reasons to tremble with longing for the past
Wishes, warm and wild, obey the heart’s insight
Leaving faded hopes and dreams on the stall doors
Waving to the cow in colors of lost hopes, dreams
Feelings that feel like they’ll never be lifted up
Soothing away the anguish of forever looking back
Somber gray barn, boards creaking
Laughing at the goodness you’ve come seeking
Whispering of a past that never seems at peace
As the heart wonders through the distressed thoughts
Of a love story that has died and a soul gone on
Somber gray barn, boards creaking
Answer my prayers – you know what I’m seeking
A flame of hope, a blaze of imagination, a flicker of inspiration… glowing on my spirit like a revelation
Discovered in the boards nailed across the entrance
Somber gray barn, boards creaking
Reveal your truth to me… my prayers are penetrating
Rustling the old lumber with nails from the past
Where I long to go again… before my heart ascends
To be with my Creator in heaven’s lovely realms
*for That Old Red Barn contest sponsored by Rick Parise
They sat on the creaky old porch swing
Looking across their dried up fields
He was remembering a favorite tune
Sang it sweetly into her good ear
She flashed a smile into his eyes
Gazed at their barn still standing proud
"Oh Pa" she whispered,"do you recall
When we met at that barn dance long ago?"
He grinned at her the way he did
And thought about that sweet young gal
As they danced the lovely night away
In that big old barn on down the road
Now memories are all that's left to them
But they're built strong like those old red barns
Old school painted barns
some used for advertising
some owners treasure