Ode to Barns Past

Conceived in need, and built with pride,
by careful loving hands.
Mystique, with styles of purpose blend,
from your ancestral lands.

Your mow and stall made food for all,
with plenty left to sell.
You’ve sheltered countless herds and flocks,
and served your masters well.

Technology, or laziness,
It’s hard to trace the blame.
For our neglect of your distress,
we all share common shame.

As future craftsmen reconstruct
your every joint and truss,
may history be as kind to you
as you have been to us.

A death no reason justifies,
a tragic way to end.
So as we say our last goodbyes,
we must add, "Thank You, Friend".

Richard Talada (1990)


To see more of our images of old barns and buildings click HERE