Downstream

When Gillian sends me
photos of the old King’s
Meadow women’s pool today
I’m taken aback by the way
it’s both beautiful and
decrepit. By the side of the
bath are green pillars topped
with ornate wrought-iron
leaves, but although it’s
clearly being cared for the
steps lead down into stagnant
looking water where two
ducks swim next to a
cardboard box. The wooden