Since its reconstruction in the 1990s, I’ve considered the so-called Swinging Bridge a perfect metaphor for the changes in Durango. Into the 1970s, the Swinging Bridge fairly bucked. It could be made to sway and kick with little effort. It was a might shabby and a little hazardous to those who walked it in a breeze. It could be made a little scary; it was always fun.

Then the Swinging Bridge was rebuilt to modern standards in the ’90s. It “gained” some degree of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. It was rebuilt with modern materials, which were significantly more expensive and attractive. It was made safer, by far. It was remarkably stiffer. The sway and stagger were gone.

So it seems were the changes in Durango itself. Durango has itself become more modern. Its sway and stagger are gone. Rather than being itself, Durango has appointed itself to be a shining city on a hill. Durango has dressed itself in a mighty way.

Good or bad, it is the way it is. There is no going back. Durango has become what many old-timers and natives warned it would become. Me, I miss Durango. I’m glad I knew her.

Neil Bourjaily

Cañon City