Lost World
A borough in
Western Pennsylvania
(towns are called
Boroughs) that
Died when steel died
And, unlike the city
Close by (that is only
Called a city),
There was no
Rising up,
No Easter-kind
Experience
Anything that might
Be beautiful is old
From the time
When beauty
Could be afforded
The bones of
Some buildings are
Strong, while
Others stand ready
To fall over
With a sigh
Children attend
A consolidated
School in the area,
Learning to
Leave already
The bar owner
Can’t afford it
But must have
The place
Open anyway
For where else
Can one
Drink hope
Persistence alone
Without substance
Keeps life
clcouch123 
March 14, 2016 at 1:06 am
Wonderful poem 🙂
March 15, 2016 at 9:13 pm
Thank you!
March 15, 2016 at 9:14 pm
I might have thanked you twice. Well, why not. I’m thankful.
March 14, 2016 at 1:18 am
Thank you!
March 14, 2016 at 4:51 am
Oh. You described the different aspect of a ‘city’ in a simple yet deep way, Christopher. And these lines sum this beautiful poem: “Persistence alone
Without substance
Keeps life”
I guess it might be true.
March 15, 2016 at 9:15 pm
For many this might be true. Especially when severely difficult times overshadow other possibilities. Thanks!
March 16, 2016 at 2:52 am
I agree! 🙂
March 14, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Your words capture the essence of the “steel cities” and their towns…boroughs… busted unions and moves to the southern states–or other countries–took prosperity from “up here,” but did not even take it to the new areas.
March 15, 2016 at 9:18 pm
Thanks for your response and for your insights. Pittsburgh recovered well. But when I visit, I see so many places that did not recover.
March 15, 2016 at 11:31 pm
I always liked Pittsburgh. My son went to art school there and I’d make the trip from Cleveland with the care package once a month or so. An upper floor in his apartment building (friends) had a view of the city that was breathtaking…very high maybe 20 floors.
March 16, 2016 at 12:58 am
I’m glad you like Pittsburgh. It is an impressive city, especially when one appreciates the collection of neighborhoods and ethnicities it is. I went to college north of the city and so got to Cleveland many times. The area is among the loveliest I’ve ever visited.
March 14, 2016 at 6:00 pm
This is great Christopher. A crisp look of “normal and modern” daily life.
~ Dajena 🙂
March 15, 2016 at 9:19 pm
Thanks, Dajena. I think it behooves us to see all of life that we can see.
March 16, 2016 at 12:34 am
You are welcome Christopher! Indeed it does.