Autumnal reminiscing

Few things in this world are probably better than the bonfires of our youth. Hayrack rides, ridiculously large fires that probably could be seen from space, burnt on the outside, cold on the inside hotdogs, flaming marshmallows of death, hooded sweatshirts full of hay the next morning, knowing that everyone at the fire has known you since before you were you.

Remember the Rockridge games? Sitting with the band, the smell of burning leaves in the air, the taste of the pork chop sandwiches, the whole community there for every game, even those without kids in school anymore. Remember homecoming? The parade, the sound of the band coming toward you, the ancient rivalry with whoever we were playing that year, Wipeout at halftime, the anticipation of the dance, getting all dressed up and going out to dinner or maybe just to someone's house, pictures at the dance, sneaking kisses when the chaperones weren't looking, the sad goodbye when the night's over, so full of longing that it would never end, falling asleep remembering how wonderful it all was. God I miss that.