Emerald Walls

Definition: Haymow (n)-An over sized “attic” of a barn; extends from one end to the other over the cows below.

            Above ninety cows and my hardworking Dad, I feel at ease in the haymow.  Rain pelts the tin roof just inches above my head as I climb, higher, and higher.  First on a ladder, and when that cannot take me any higher, I grab the orange strings; Baler twine, holding the perfect rectangles together.  The smell of rain, dust, and hay send my sense of smell into overdrive.  At last I reach the top, and lay sprawled out on the warm alfalfa.  I run my hands over the mildew covered nuts and bolts that hold my secret world together.  When I look to the left I see the silhouette of a now closed trap door, the one I used to think helped criminals escape from the cops.  It turns out that it is really used to throw hay down in the summer.  When I look up I see the hand hewn beams, crafted by splintered hands, and above them, the tin roof dusted with dents.  At my back, my right, and as far as I can see in front of me, there are shades of green.  Some bales are the soft green of alfalfa, others the muddy green of first cutting.  I bound over to the fifteen foot ledge created by hundreds of stacked bales.  My family’s livelihood, the customer's desire.  I jump, and land in a pile of broken bales of all types.  The spray of grass, seeds, and dust I send flying is enough to send a person with allergies into a frenzy of coughs and sneezes.  I take deep breaths, wanting to savor every moment.  The smell and feel of home.