Sunday, February 28, 2010

In an Old Barn


In an Old Barn.

Tons upon tons the brown-green fragrant hay
O'erbrims the mows beyond the time-warped eaves,
Up to the rafters where the spider weaves,
Though few flies wander his secluded way.
Through a high chink one lonely golden ray,
Wherein the dust is dancing, slants unstirred.
In the dry hush some rustlings light are heard,
Of winter-hidden mice at furtive play.
Far down, the cattle in their shadowed stalls,
Nose-deep in clover fodder's meadowy scent,
Forget the snows that whelm their pasture streams,
The frost that bites the world beyond their walls.
Warm housed, they dream of summer, well content
In day-long contemplation of their dreams.

~ Charles G. D. Roberts 1860-1943

12 comments:

Patsy said...

I do love the smell of brown-green fragrant hay. As a child I have memories of grandfathers old barn.
Patsy

DeniseinVA said...

Such a lovely poem Jo, and a beautiful old barn. Have a great week. They are talking more snow up here. I hope you're not going to get any.

Mary Lou said...

I grew up playing in one of those barns, building hay houses in the hay loft...Brings back such great memories to visit you.

Carol Ann said...

I just found your blog and have enjoyed it so much that I've added it to my favorites.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

That is an old barn, Jo.... Bet that is interesting moss on the roof....
Hugs,
Betsy

Kipling said...

Great barn! fits the poem magnificently! It reminds me of a line from a poem by the Irish poet Derek Mahon.

'Dim in a twilight of crumbling
utensils and broken pitchers,
groaning for their deliverance,
have been so long expectant
that there is left only the posture.'

taken from, A disused shed in Co. Wexford.

Unknown said...

Wonderful poem and fantastic photo of a nostalgic scene from part of my childhood.

DJan said...

The beam is sagging, and the barn is no longer used, but it is still beautiful, and it's wonderful that you saw that and shared it with us. Thank you!

MadSnapper said...

lovely old barn, great photo and I really like the poem.

Anonymous said...

Apart from reading this beautiful post, I wanted to thank you for your lovely comment on my blog about my dad. You obviously feel sensitive to spirit activity; you know your dad is with you and isn't it just the most incredibly comfortable feeling in the world?

CJ xx

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I love old barns. They have so much spirit and stories to tell. I have the "troft" that came from my Grandfather's barn--The barn is no longer standing so to me, it's a real treasure!

Erica Daley said...

Just wanted to say that I love your blog and it has inspired me! Thanks!!