A well-known covered bridge has been lost forever due to an arsonist's flame.

I remember seeing it and staring out its blank windows.
I watched the water swirl just below as the twenty pound bottom-feeding fish jump and tease the fishermen nearby.

Located in a small town just beyond the most narrow gravel lane,
Bridgeton made Mayberry look like Metropolis.
The tallest object, the local red mill stretching into the sky.

It was a beautiful post card town.  Strangers were friendly
and all welcomed you inside their door if the storm raged.
Weddings and other special moments spent at the entrance to that bridge...

It dots my photo albums - various times that I visited in my life...
Different people on my shoulder to take in the trails, bridges and the winery. 
Ways of life not known in my own hometown. 

Now it's gone.  No words to describe, no feelings
There's no one left in the world who remembers the waterfall
without its bright red, wooden bridge
Now all smoking timbers...generations of initials lost
...memories yet to be made will now be forgotten...

All gone...second victim to fire
32 covered bridges in Parke County
Now down to 30


ŠApril 28, 2005 Lori S. Maynard

Above, is a picture of the actual bridge.