Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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 )

15 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful poem and photo, Jo. I always worry about the critters who are out there in this kind of cold weather. My backyard birds are at the feeders ALOT this week... Bless their little hearts!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Sharon said...

I like old barns, old tools, old times.

Patsy said...

Why was I thinking you were in England for a visit???

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Just enough light for the texture and color !

George said...

I like both the verse and the picture.

Barbara Anne said...

May all be sheltered and snug from the cold.

Hugs!

Country Gal said...

Great photo and post. love your snow falling on your blog ! Have a great day !

DJan said...

LOVE that picture!

Carol E Wyer said...

Hi from a fellow Brit freezing at the moment in unprecedented temperatures of -10 degrees centigrade. I am your latest follower and admirer of your beautiful blog.
Please feel free to drop by my blog and follow if you wish.
Warmest wishes.
Carol fron www.facing50withhumour.blogspot.com

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hello Jo,
Beautiful poem and photo as usual. I don't have a barn full of hay other than a couple of straw bales in the chicken coop...BUT I know where the mice to go play and snuggle...in my bag of Christmas bows for the fence! Had to throw most of them away as they were chewed ...such is life when you store things in outdoor buildings. Ah well. I hope you're having a quiet morning getting your baking done for the holidays. Enjoy your day. Maura :)

Stella Jones said...

There's something about a barn full of animals at Christmas. It's the stable thingy I suppose. I think the smell of animals is lovely and I would welcome snuggling up to a big warm cow on a cold night (now don't laugh).
Blessings, Star

DeniseinVA said...

You match these photos and poems so beautifully Jo.

Anonymous said...

So..... where is toilet? Hehe))) Joke, relax ;)
Hope for no silence

Dee said...

Big sigh....Love your photo and softly falling snow. ♥

MadSnapper said...

this photo brings back fond memories to me and the peek through the window at the brillaint Christmas tree is gorgous. your side bar always grabs my eye