Scenes From Maplewood

The local swimming pool makes me think of "La Grande Latte" -- so many souls packed into one small rectangle.

A listless teen lifeguard scolds a father: "No toys in the wading pool." The father--having survived a bad day?--chooses to push back. "It's not a toy. It's a swim aid." The lifeguard shrugs and repeats himself. Amazingly, this fight continues.

Moms overhear the news that Kamala Harris may be the new candidate. Desperately, the moms realize they cannot obtain their cell phones without abandoning their half-submerged toddlers. One mom pushes forward bravely, toward land, like Nala, in the Second Act of "The Lion King." The others call out: "Bring back news!"

An elderly Maplewood resident has words with the ticket-taker. "Do you really think *every* Tuesday *needs* to be DJ Night? My friends and I like to swim in peace...."

For me, this is like viewing a (free) movie, and I really hadn't planned on the entertainment. A little popcorn, a reclining chair, and I would be fully content.

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