In "The Abandoned Farmhouse" by Ted Kooser, the poem describes the physical remnants of a deserted homestead. It details the weathered exterior and neglected interior of the farmhouse, with broken dishes, torn books, and a rusted pump serving as poignant reminders of the lives that once inhabited the space. The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, prompting readers to reflect on the passage of time and the impermanence of human existence.