The wind and weather took its toll
Upon the building and its’ soul.
For many years it served so well,
Oh, what the stories it could tell!
Of children playing in the loft
Upon the hay so fresh and soft.
And then their laughter as they found
Their kittens in the manager sound.
Of horses, – cattle sheltered there
In seasons stormy – also fair;
Providing safety for the ones
That needed care till they could run.
A place to store the golden grain,
To keep it dry from all the rain.
Milo, oats and corn and wheat,
Brought in by farmers duteous feet.
The horses came within to rest
Knowing they had done their best;
Out in the field beneath the sun.
They knew at last that day was done.
The cows so willingly came in
For feed from in the corner bin.
They gave their milk so pure and white
Each morning and then every night.
Behind your each and every door
There were so many things to store.
Some tools, an anvil, and then a truck,
Room for a shovel or two with some luck.
The building stood so tall and strong,
For years and years it stood so long.
A tribute to the men who built
The barn so firm-with n’er a tilt.
So many feet went in and out
Working hard, without a doubt.
As it is fitting now to do,
With gratefulness we honor you!
-Edna Ruth Kemp
