Tuesday, July 09, 2002

Libraries are good

I've always been a supporter of libraries, those great repositories of human knowledge, those massive monuments to literacy and achievement. Until they started building one across the street from my office.

Now, while I am still favorably predisposed to appreciate miles and miles of shelves lined with books, I am souring on this particular library. The rumble of trucks and equipment entering and leaving the site rattles my teeth and the dust kicked up, combined with the sweltering temperatures and dousing humidity, are utterly stifling.

I will, however, cease all complaining, for I discovered yesterday that the workmen have begun installing the building's utility conduits and lines, closing the public sidewalk on both sides of the street and, as a consequence, insuring that the only safe route to the pool is right by my window.

All day, lithe young men in skimpy bathing costumes toting towels saunter by and, a few hours later, return by the same path with wet curls plastered to their foreheads and browner skin than when they first appeared.

In every cloud of dust, there is a Speedo lining.