Dear cousins,

The following poem is in Aunt Annie E. Currie's, (12/1/1860 - 7/20/1951) scrap book.  Also, the original is hand printed with art work  by  Belle Mathews Williams and is about 14 inches by 18 inches.   I have that packed away.  Belle was obviously inspired by Neely and the people, our people, that lived there.  (Patricia M. Currie, June 29, 2001)

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                                              NEELY

Oh, the glorious trees at Neely, with their heights against the sky

Waving friendly greetings to all the passers by.

A homing place for tired wings, a haven for a nest

Cool shadows on a summer day, where man and beast may rest

 

Oh, the beauteous flowers at Neely, when spring time holds its sway

Their memory is a cherished thing to cheer a lonely day

A tangled mass of fragrance where little path ways run

Hunting sweet small flowers hiding from the sun

 

Oh, the precious hearts at Neely so quick to understand

So full of friendly sympathy, so glad to lend a hand

Down the years their lives have left a trail of golden deeds

And flowers bloom in a thousand hearts, where they have sown the seeds

 

Oh, the dear old home at Neely, with its busy, happy days

Holding now, as always, to the sweet old southern ways

Out upon the shady lawn happy children call

And little feet run happily down the wide old hall

 

The old plantation bell rings out, and answering echoes start

I hear their faint reflection ringing in my heart

There's no other home like Neely, and if I had my way

It would live forever, forever and a day

 

by Belle Mathew Williams                Easter 1933

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