Geneva Ryals Stuart

Memory of Providence

The first consolidated School in Neshoba
County was built in 1922.
It isn't much to think of now, but then
it was a mation to me and you.
The dear old building was built so square
It looked like a box just setting there.
It was painted white, and very tall,
That is the first of my School days I can re-call.

I learned to read and write each day
To solve out problems every way.
To gain friends old and new,
Now to think of those days I'm blue.
I growed up there day by day,
And then I finished school there that way.
The tears then begain to fall,
Of all my school days were happist of all.

When I finished school my happist days were gone,
Back to Providence I could no more roam.
I went on visits day by day,
But it could never seem the same old way.
I loved the dear old building and even the spot.
There have things happened there that won't be forgot.

At twilight on January the twenty-eight
A bright light shone to every home and gate.
I looked and saw it shining gay,
Every-thing seemed bright as day.
I knew Providence was gone.
I felt just like it was my home.
It's into ashes this very day.
All it's memories though will stay.

On the old piano I seem to hear a tone.
All our units now are gone.

They may build a mation back where it use to stand.
But there will never be a Providence again.
Our community is falling fast
Those who begrudged us are happy at last.
God has helped them win their way.
Don't you worry it will come home to them some day.

Try again is my prayer,
Let us build it somewhere.
Though my school days are through
I have sympathy for others too.
It will be Arlington by name,
Although it will never be the same.