The public swimming pool that I frequented in sunnier, happier times is currently closed and will be for the remainder of the season—one of many small tragedies that have marked this cursed year. This loss, which is minimal, is a one I nevertheless feel very acutely, as one of life’s greatest pleasures is standing in waist-deep chlorinated water and reading a book. While I do not have access to a swimming pool this year, I’ve turned to the annals of history to inspire me for next summer, which ideally will be better than this one.
