Home » Poems » Nancy Kaufman » The Ghosts of Altoona

The Ghosts of Altoona

Some daysI feel it's time to move and live by the sea, especially when the ghosts of Altoona are haunting me.. Many cities in Pa., so rich in history, They were hey days in their time. It's no mystery... This once-booming railroad town is still being visited by those now underground.. Home to the infamous Horse Shoe Curve, with its one-way tunnel that will truly unnerve.. Many unsuspecting drivers attempted to navigate and met their swift untimely fate... At 17th Street, a circus train derailed. Again, many lost their lives as the animals all bailed. Just like a used tire that manufacturers retread, some people that die by accident are unaware that they are dead. Most days I just pray and ask them to kindly move on, for the ghosts of Altoona, I wave my magic wand.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Sara Kendrick

Date: 6/20/2023 3:53:00 AM

Thank you for sharing in poetic form some history about this town in Pennsylvania. Quite interesting information. Sometimes some very sad things happen in an area which makes it a unique but sad place to visit. Your visit to my page was uplifting. Sara

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 6/20/2023 5:28:00 AM

Thanks Sara, I might add, as a novice poet, I sincerely can see that you are evolving with your writing. God Bless and thanks for visiting moi.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 6/19/2023 1:39:00 PM

- Use your magic wand wisely, Nancy :) - hugs

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 6/19/2023 7:21:00 PM

LOL I have used a sagebrush in my condo when I first moved here. It's probably too big of a job to clean the whole town up though. Thanks for commenting Anne-Lise.

Paul Callus

Date: 6/19/2023 1:18:00 PM

Everywhere we go we are bound to come across narratives which pertain to the locality itself. In this case you speak of Altoona and tragic incidents which occurred there with a most capable pen that intrigues the reader. I hope your magic wand has not lost its powerful characteristics! ~ Regards // paul

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 6/19/2023 7:19:00 PM

Hi Paul, you are most kind. I moved here three years ago after living in West Virginia for several years but am a Maryland native. I never paid attention to ghosts previously but apparently Altoona next to Pittsburg has quite a few of them.

Sotto Poet

Date: 6/19/2023 9:43:00 AM

Nancy, your contemplative poem is quite stirring. The specter of Altoona seems to have taken hold of your thoughts. The tragic derailment of the circus train at 17th Street, resulting in the loss of countless lives and the chaotic escape of the animals, has clearly left an indelible mark on you. I found your work to be deeply resonant.

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 6/19/2023 11:51:00 AM

well for some reason unknown to me I moved here in 2020. It does have a rich history but I do hope to move to a warmer climate. I hope you are well and have a lovely day Sotto poet.