Ansely Union Church Poem by Melanie Weeks

I went to the old church today.
I went because I was told
Someone had vandalized it.

I was told
That they had kicked the door in,
Shot paintballs all over the place,
Windows broken.
Who could be so evil?

The old church has been mostly restored,
From what I could see.
Only two squares of windows
In the sunday school room were broke

I brought some flowers.
I walked into the graveyard.
Mamaw and Papaw
Dear Uncle, too,
It's been too long
Since I've visited.

I never knew Mamaw and Papaw,
But I've heard so much.
They are part of who I am.
Creative and strong they were.
I wish I were around when they were.

My dear Uncle,
He died last year,
Three days before my birthday.
Needless to say I didn't have a good birthday.
Oh, how I miss him.

I sat near Mamaw and Papaw
Placed the flowers
Around their stones.
And I sat there thinking.

I talked occasionaly,
Saying I wish I knew them.
But I can't.

I went to visit my dear Uncle,
I placed the flowers on his stone.
I told him I missed him.
Things have gone crazy
Since he left us.

I left the graveyard,
And walked back to the church.
I made sure nothing else was wrong.
I sat on the side steps to think.

I stared at the church bell.
So long has the chain been broken.
So long has the bell been toned.
And yet is still part of this.
Still of this old dear church.

Ansley Union Church is and will always be my home church. I've lived near it all of my life, as have my family. Whoever the boys were that vandalized it, should really grow up.
I love Mamaw Burndean, Papaw Casey, and Uncle Jimmie. R.I.P. forever.