June 26, 2003 NEW HOUSE, OLD HOUSE As we ride our bike across many states, There is a trend we see. On many farms, there are two houses Where usually there'd be but one. It seems that the farmers build new houses, And leave the old one in place. We can't know why, but we do have guesses - It would be fun to talk to some. Is the reason the cost of demolition, Or is the farmer just cheap? Is the reason sentimental, you say, They just can't part with the homestead! The houses take many forms, you see, And you have to wonder why. One place is allowed to rot away, But another still has curtains at the windows. Another will be painted, but have no windows, Another will be falling in ruins. Is it just a quirk, or something deep at work, I guess we'll never know. Ron