There was cracking, and a great groan; the tractor came up onto it’s rear tires as the front swayed, the engine pulling, then it came down hard as the beams gave way. I covered my ears from the sound of 100 year old, seasoned hardwood splintering. The loft heaved forward and dropped to floor level.  The roof smiled big, it’s toothless defiance held true.

“I don’t believe it! It’s all twigs, holes, and a few old shingles. I thought it would implode for sure. Dam! Well, you up for some disassembling?”,  I squinted and brushed off the dust.  Yanking down the bandana covering my nose and mouth, I walked round for a better look at the whole structure.

“What are you laughin’ at? You look like a BALD raccoon. Least my version is more natural.” I huffed kicked at the side of it.

He shut up and climbed down from the drivers seat, joining me on the ground. “Unbelievable. I could just burn it right here?”

I think not.” That barn’s going in the house. Save the good pieces before you light it.”

That was the end of an era for me. My horses were gone. Gone were my chickens, ducks, and that crazy Toby The Wonder Pig. I hated to see it go. But then again, I figured it a safe wager nobody’d be dumping thier cats here anymore. I was staying broke because of city discards. Some days, dozens of new faces would appear in my barn at feeding time. I couldn’t do it anymore. If I had to sell my horses, then those cats were hitting the high road.

I’d been ill, medically bankrupt. Those days are behind me now. I miss that old barn, being out there, instead of in here. I miss the animals; Mostly my horses. Heck, I even sold my truck before I sold them. Things are better now, and I’m thinking it sure would be nice to get back in the saddle. I’ve had this big notch carved out of me since they left, and I want it back. I need to feel whole again.