The Old Red Barn

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[This poem was written sometime in 1968. It first appeared in my anthology, The Lady in the Pink Hat, Candor Press, 1969.]

The old red barn once stood proud Against the storm, paying Its own way with the Mail Pouch Sign, brimming with hay It staved winter's starving chill A vanguard of stubborn will. But now the storms have racked The bones and flailed the bloody flesh Torn away the shingles and Raked across the giant yellow letters, Letting in the cold and bitter air Left the rubble for the vacant stare.

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 4/12/2021 6:47:00 AM

I like how you have personified this barn! "But now the storms have racked The bones and flailed the bloody flesh Torn away the shingles and Raked across the giant yellow letters,"

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/12/2021 7:27:00 AM

Thanks, Caren. We have these barns all over WV and KY. Some are eyesores, but many are kept up and bear mail pouch signs.

Jan Allison

Date: 4/9/2021 12:49:00 PM

wow you are such an accomplished poet Milton and this poem is proof of your talent, i have only been writing since 2013,:-) hugs Jan xx

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/9/2021 2:14:00 PM

Oh my goodness, Jan. Length of time writing doesn't make you any better, it just means you been learning for a long, long time. I've been writing since I was a kid. Thanks for your sweet, kind, and thoughtful remarks.