Ghost Train
Ghost train – Living my life in and around the Rocky Mountains all my life I have learned even in the most remote wilderness areas that they are not as empty or silent as they appear. There is not an old cemetery, town, horse trail, mountain pass, or railroad tunnel that does not have an old story or two to tell from days gone by in and on the Rocky Mountain frontier. These mountains I have learned have ghost and ghost tales that are best told on a cold autumn night with friends and family around a shimmering campfire as the mountain wind tickles the aspen trees to begin their autumn melody of the tree whispers. This is one of those tales. True or not it is a tale of a ghost train that rides the rails just beyond the Moffat Tunnel east of Rollins Pass, Colorado. I do not recall how or even the circumstances of how I heard this ghost tale, but this haunting story of the ghost train I have never forgotten.
“Ghost Train”
In the distance blinding light appeared,
Bone chilling, silent, and to be feared.
Stroke of 12, out of the dark night it came,
Railroad tracks and metal wheels aflame.
Engine of steam bellowing misty white smoke,
Ghost train, Hell on Wheels going for broke.
Blowing white steam, sparks of fire close to me,
Death the conductor, waving a skeleton key.
Black railroad cars packed full of pasty face folks,
No smiles, just tears, no happiness for these blokes.
Specter of Death, looked at me with a ghastly smile,
Skull with hollow sockets gazed at me for half a mile.
How and where it came from, I will never be able to tell,
All I know, Ghost train passengers going straight to Hell.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2017
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The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
- Riding the Timberline - May 26, 2025
- Digging up Dreams - September 16, 2024
- As the Years Roll By - November 15, 2023
This is a great piece – I love the look at the dark side you’ve taken
Thank you for the compliment my friend and glad you stopped by…
Terrifying apparition! Your poem is great, Kurt, and does full justice to the ghost train and its passengers.
I love the story of the hauntings in Colorado Phyllis, and on a train is even better I think, thank you for stopping by.
Frightening locomotive comes a barreling down the tracks. Great piece Kurt, really enjoyed it.~Paul
What’s not to like about a ghost train?…….;LOL..Thank you Paul for commenting
great work my friend, I do love a good ghost story. Cheers!
Thanks Tony for your time in stopping by… glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent memory piece for me, bringing to play all of the ghostly tales in my mind!
I am glad I could bring back some ghostly memories for you Donald
This is a wonderful piece, Kurt. I love your commentaries which are followed by a poem. Great job as always.
Thank you John always nice to have you comment..
Loved your Poem. Thank You for becoming my friend… I Also liked The Ghost Train….I will be looking for your books I LOVE western History & novels.
Thank you Robin for taking the time to read some of my poetry – it is humbling that someone finds something enjoyable about what I write. I think you will find my books to your liking. Kurt James