Several years ago Gene took his family "down the Stepping Rock" to the farm where he lived with his parents and grandparents until he was about 10 years old. The house was no longer there, but the old barn still stood. That barn burned in 2006, and when Gene heard the news he composed a poem called The Barn.
THE OLD BARN
The old barn stood the test of time
For a hundred years or more
It stood on the farm where I was born
And welcomed all with open door
Built from the finest chestnut trees
Of wood that would not decay
It withstood the ravages of strongest storms
It laughed at the sun’s fierce midday rays
It provided shelter for man and beast
From the cold and wind and rain
It was old in 25 when I was born
I played in its loft amidst the hay and grain
Slowly the tenants left the farm
But the barn kept a watchful eye
Its sturdy beams unyielding to time
Offering comfort to whoever came by
The old barn burned a few days ago
Its time on earth well spent
Imprinting a lesson upon my heart
Be strong, be friendly, be helpful, as God meant
I will miss the old barn!
By Eugene W. Howard
July 20, 2006
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