Ok, so maybe I'm stupid, but due to circumstances nearly out of my control I left my bike sitting out in the cold for about a month...with no winterizing.  Now it won't start, and since I'm a bit of a novice, I'm wondering what could possibly be wrong and what to do to remedy it.

For starters I would say dead battery- but more information would be helpful.

well, it cranks, but seems to slow down after a minute or so...

yes the lights come on, it cranks, but slowly as I said...and the gas in the tank is probably a month or so old...                  dang it's cold outside...

Probably a combination of a cranky cold blooded motor, old gas, and a tired battery.

Its a good idea to invest in a battery tender/ trickle charger if you are going to leave your bike sitting for more than a week but not put it up for the winter.

If you get one, you may be able to save that battery by charging it up again. Otherwise you will have to replace it...

Start by charging the battery.  Mine did the same and I had lights too.  Bummed me out too.

okies, thanks guys

Well 1 month is OK for gas, but battery must be fully charged, and then take out the plugs and have the motor crank over a few times to take care of any hydro lock if any. Clean the plugs while they are out and put them back on and put the petcock in prime and choke on and try it.
Cool.
Srinath.

could there have been no gas in the carbs?