Eagle Climb
The following poem was written by Kate VanLoke and read by her at the Eagle Court of Honor for her son, Ed, Troop 110, Johnson City, NY, June 21, 2004. It is displayed her with her permission.
Eagle Climb
In shirt of blue I first began
My journey through the vale
And many things I witnessed there
As I climed the scouting trail
Wolf and Bear, and Webelos too:
I walked with one and all
And then the Lighted Arrow
Became my lofty goal
I then climbed up the steepening trail
And witnessed quite a sight
The mountain peaks rose high above
Where the Eagle out-ran the Light
I saw him there amongst the Peaks
Of Body, Mind and Soul
So I struggled on to reach the heights -
The Eagle, my new Goal.
The trail, though steep, was clearly laid
And guarded all the way
By those whose footfalls went before
And returned to me each day.
And now, I stand amongst the few
Who made the greatest climb,
To reach the lofty Eagle perch -
I now add my name to thine.
By Kate VanLoke
(Dedicated to Edward)