When it falls....

 

 

The timbers felt strong, even though the boards were fading from red to gray.  The tin roof had held up for decades, but even it was starting to doubt its integrity.  

 The weeds around the outside appeared to be holding the barn up, with so many vines and creepers.  The silent dust-mote interior spoke of cows, hay, empty feed sacks, and hidden bottles.  

 How much longer can it stand?  Even it doesn’t know.

 

 

 

Our old barn was built in the 1860s in Nebo, Illinois. In the 1950s, we raced and climbed in it, doing scary and dangerous things.  So much fun. In the 1980s it was starting to sway so it had to be taken down. So sad. This photo is one taken in the 70s. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Old Bin

Delores at Under the Porch Light

The storage bin had been a part of the farm house as long as anyone could remember.  Even back many generations, that bin was there, leaning up against the barn. 

It used to store chicken feed.  Farmer Gunter got rid of the chickens after a few decades. 

Then the bin was used to keep coal before the farmer switched to propane.  He cleaned the bin out and thought about how it could be used.  He even asked his wife Bernadette what they should do with the empty bin.

Bernie launched into another harangue about him being too lazy to even think for himself, and then moved on to his other deficiencies.  The list was long.  Gunter stared at her blankly as she continued.

After some time, Gunter packed up his suitcase and gathered up all their money stored in the cellar since the Great Depression.  As he passed by the bin, he patted the lid which sported shiny new nails all around the perimeter.  

“You’re right, Bernie.  I shoulda thought of this long ago.”  Silence was the answer.


This was a photo prompt compliments of Delores at Under the Porch Light back on July 17, 2013.  I liked the macabre even then.

F is for Far, Far away

You are in the right place.

My sister Mary and brother Bill, about summer 1959 on our farm.

“Mama!  Me an’ Mary are runnin’ away!”  Billy exclaimed, holding up Daddy’s lunch pail.  “See, and we gots everything we’re gonna need!”

Mama peered into the pail.  Some little panties, two pair of Billy’s socks, a jar of pickles, and little Dolly.

“Well, Billy, where are you and Mary going?”

“We’re goin’ far, far away!” Billy closed the lunch pail.

“Far ‘way, Mama!” Mary echoed.  “I gots Dolly with me, so’s I sleep good.”  She nodded seriously.

“Where abouts is far far away, Billy?”  

“Way over there, Mama!”  He pointed to the barn.

“Over there!”  Mary repeated.

She gave them each a kiss, and they set on their way. 

As she walked back to the house, Mama heard Billy call over his shoulder. “Be sure to call us for dinner, ‘kay?”

Those memories are so precious to me.  Hang onto your own!