Why Are Barns Red? Poem by Marilyn Lott

Why do you think barns are painted red?
There must be a reason and a story
Perhaps it was so the animals could find
Their home in its bright colored glory

Or maybe in the old days that was
The color that was easiest to create
It set it apart from the old homesteads
That settled any sort of debate

Was it a way for farmers to brag?
Who could have the most brilliant barn?
Maybe there was also a contest
To see who could create the best yarn

As you travel across the broad country
You can spot them from far away
You must admit they are attractive
No matter what year or what day

Whatever the reason they paint
The barns all shades of red
It could have been yellow or purple
I’d prefer the color red instead!