In the Rocky Mountains of Colorado nestled between the towering cliffs of the Palisades and the forested valleys of Sheep Mountain lies the old Idlewild Lodge. This once familiar landmark is seldom recognized by those driving up the Big Thompson Canyon these days. Although gone are its glory days, the memories of those times still linger. This website is an ode to the Idlewild that once was.
That “Old House” beside the Road
I’m, that ‘Old House’ up canyon way,
been sitting here for many a day,
greeting guests and loads of friends
as they round the curve of yonder bend.
Today, I’m weatherbeaten, old and gray,
not worth medication, so they say,
yet, to tear me down, do me in,
would be an unforgivable sin.
I, admit to arthritic knees and joints,
but, still I stand, so have my points.
True, I often groan, wince and creak,
and, at times I’m prone to leaks.
Who, sez, I’ve become no stately Queen,
compared to others they have seen
Observe, my shoulders and in between,
full of character, square and clean.
Ask, my friends, both, old and new,
what they’d do, if, they were you.
I’m sure they’d say, “spare her Les,
she’s much to noble to be laid to rest
I, have the feeling my time has come,
Les and Ann’s desires will be done.
I, have no choice but bow and pray,
because the end not far away.
Best, take a picture before I die,
for, posterity, the reason why.
Inscribe my stone, let Epitaph read,
“Here lies a friend to all–indeed.”
Amen.
By–Ralph Waldo Hammond
1972
Poem by Ralph Waldo Hammond, one of the many guests to walk through the doors of Idlewild Lodge. The epitaph has graced the dining room of the Lodge since 1972.