Barn tales: If old barns could talk

John Poteet, a frequent contributor to The LaRue County Herald News, has a great fondness for old barns. He saw a pair of barns, standing about 400-feet apart on the same farm in the Leafdale community, and was inspired to submit the following:
If old barns could talk, these two old barns like two old men sitting in rocking chairs on the porch of their retirement home might have a conversation something like this. We’ll call the old barns Grover and Wilson.
“How old are you, Wilson?”
“Well, I’ll tell you, if I’m still standing next summer, I’ll be 110. How old are you?”
“Well, Wilson, I’ve got you beat a few years. If I’m standing next summer, I’ll be either 114 or 115. I really can’t remember which. We may look a little rough, but I would say we’re doing all right considering the storms we have each weathered through the years.”
“I agree, but you know we’re just not needed much any more, are we Grover?”
“No, not much at all. Heck, I can remember when they used to fill my loft so full of baled hay that a pigeon couldn’t find enough room to roost over night.”
“I remember those years well and I remember once when they blew shredded corn fodder in your loft with such force that fodder would be sticking out between your side planks from your loft floor to your roof. Grover, I have to say you were a funny looking sight.”
“What are your fondest memories Wilson?”
“Well, I believe my fondest memory of all is when I used to house a small flock of sheep. They were such innocent and gentle little animals. I can still see in my mind Old Farmer Brown entering in through my small door with his kerosene lantern on those cold winter nights to see if there were any new baby lambs.”
“I don’t ever remember housing sheep, but I sure do remember those devilish little mule foals that always came in the spring of the year. When they got about a year old they were a barn full. If I hadn’t been pretty strong back then I know they would have kicked a hole plum through my side planks. Old Farmer Brown sure did love those mules.”
“Wilson, did that windstorm do you any damage last night?”
“Well, I don’t think so, but there for a few minutes, I thought this may be the one.”
“I really don’t know why they’re keeping us around, but you know Grover I am not going to let it worry me, I’m just going to abide my time however much I have left, and remember the good old days. The good old days when we…well, when we pretty much held this old farm together.”
“Think I’ll take a nap now Grover. I didn’t sleep too well last night, what’s with that west wind trying its’ best to blow me down.”
“Sounds like a good idea, Wilson, think I’ll join you.”
If old barns could talk .…

Photo by John Poteet

This barn is located on a farm in the Leafdale community.

Buy this photo

Photo by John Poteet

This barn is located on a farm in the Leafdale community.

Buy this photo