my careless contagion

If I could liken autumn to a woman (Autumn, is, after all, a woman's name), she is the one who leaves (an unintentional pun). She is in the fading phase of a relationship. She's still there, but she is also gone. Her beauty is more achingly sweet because you know your time with her is short. I have my own memories of a time like that (and she was truly beautiful as she said goodbye). I savor those memories because they are the last time I had her, if a man can ever truly have a woman. Because a woman can change like the seasons. You think you know her, but you don't. All you will ever know is she changes, and sometimes without warning. One minute you're walking together, and the next she's gone. Just the memory remains, and you ask yourself who will drive your soul . The only answer is the breeze. The chill on the air reminds you winter is on the way, and autumn is the warning. Winter is a cruel, yet beautiful season. Those who heed autumn's warning will surv...

I wrote this to pump myself up for winter.  True, it’s still technically autumn. But we all know it’s been winter in the Black Hills since, um, September. We can complain about the weather, or we can do something about it! Hmm. OK, maybe we can’t do anything about it. A wise man once said, “The best thing to do when it snows is to let it snow.” So let it snow. And let’s enjoy our winter wonderland — the Black Hills! Most of the tourists have gone back to their jobs and schoolwork, and the snowbirds have flocked to their warm winter playgrounds. Our streets are often barren and sidewalks often icy. Most shops are closed — but not all. Some may simply have reduced hours. And you can browse at your own pace. In fact, you can do nearly everything at your own pace. I took a jaunt down Spearfish Canyon recently, and it was a calm and relaxing drive. It was nearly perfect, as there was next to no traffic. If you don’t like being rushed through places, now is the time to get out and ...

I fought for you but you're fading fast like summer into fall like fall into winter I kept you close to my heart for the second summer now I feel you slipping away as the third winter approaches I let you go I had no choice I hated every moment of saying goodbye My heart is weary my body is broken and tired my mind aches as I imagine life without you The irony is I want you to go back go back to him go back forever  I want you to be happy I want to disappear let these shadows I've cast fall no more on you The pain I've caused is beyond my understanding My girl I can't ever make it up to you Love does not matter not anymore I thought it did but I was wrong Everything I've fought for is gone Everything I wanted I've lost You're just the latest thing I didn't deserve Goodbye, my love You were perfect in my arms We had our moment — our golden moment in the sun We held each other like it was the only th...