“Ghosts of Lake George”

Such a beautiful place
for blood to be shed,
war after war
and countless are dead.

Do restless souls
still wander this land,
cut short in life
by taking a stand.

Many folks today
take for granted their freedom,
never give thought
about how much we did need’em.

The greed of countries
gave birth to these fights,
having total disregard
for the indigenous one’s rights.

Through war and disease
their numbers went down,
their way of life
turned from smile to frown.

The ghosts of Lake George
and the sacrifices they made,
give the respect they deserve
so their memory won’t fade.

-C. H. Eldridge

“Sunset on Lake George” Shelving Rock Area Adirondack Park, Northern New York

“Miracle on Johns Brook Trail”

I remember a day
not too far away
I went on a hike with a friend.

We parked at the Garden
our feet they went troddin’
along the path and bend.

The two of us hiked
until out of breath
about where The Brother’s Trail
came to our path.

Decided to break
and handle with care
the Sun was shining
God’s breath was the air.

We drank to quench
no more would be wise
a hike still ahead
cause cramps tear eye.

Speaking of eye
some movement up trail
black and white through trees
did I see a veil?

Awkwardly looking
I tapped on my buddy
to confirm to myself
that I was not nutty.

The confirmation was made
what debt did we pay
to see six Nuns
walking our way.

Seriously a vision
was starting to unfold
a beautiful story
that won’t go untold.

Those six Nuns went by
with God in their eye
each one in a gown
from top to ground
smiling and nodding
their heads up and down.

Recalling the day
and I were both hot
when remembering no camera
to take the shot.

The feeling subsided
with anger away
don’t be so selfish
and ruin the day.

Each looking to the other
with wonderment and awe
still disbelief in witnessing
the sight we both saw.

A swig for us both
pack on underway
up Johns Brook Trail
and we thanked God for this day.

Along the brook
old growth smelled great
there was no doubt
no need for debate.

Home for supper
no later than eight
a blessed day
from the hike to the Nuns
to the food on my plate.

Laying my head
on the pillow to rest
I thank God for my blessings
and let him do what’s best.

-C. H. Eldridge

*Can you find the hidden message in the poem?

“The Eagle Eyes”

The Eagle soars on thermals high
he watches down with keen eye
It’s tears they fall to the ground
like rain from clouds releasing Earth bound

Wanting to cleanse, renew, reclaim
seeing Humans take their aim
the guilty not standing to take the blame
to change the outcome of the game

United we stand, divided we fall
this is the message Eagle tells us all
Listen with your ears, your heart, your soul
go now, take a stand, embrace your roll
before greed commences it’s final toll

And the Eagle soars on thermals high
as he watches down with keen eye

-C. H. Eldridge