The Windmill © 2008 Barry Gardner

On the rural landscape stands a tower
With sails proudly reaching high
A harness for God’s mighty power
Recalling days now long gone by
A monument for all to see
To take us back to ‘used-to-be’

Where dusty men process the grain
Hopper to stone to output bin
While other staff the mill maintain
To keep the workplace functioning
The outputs packed in Hessian sacks
They end their day with aching backs

But with new technology explored
And traditional methods superseded
Old styles of life become ignored
So the stately mill’s no longer needed
In heritage now laid to rest
Mere academic interest

Now lovers lurk among the brambles
While artists with their easels come
And school kids out on nature rambles
Or picnicking with Dad and Mum
The windmill all of these surveys
Enjoying its retirement days

BUT…
Does it sometimes like me shed a tear
To know its time was yesteryear?