Blurring Time and the Roman Baths
An army of Roman Generals size me up from across the terrace. Their stern expressions and concrete uniforms blur slightly in the soft green waters of the streaming pool below.
Through the twirling ribbons of mist, I trace out the jade green and stone of the Great Pool. Black lanterns holding wild orange flames hang above the water. Below, there is a quiet swoosh and the odd gurgle.
A sign asks visitors not to touch the water – a little Vietnamese girl, with mischief in her eyes, dips her fingers into the pool. Her parents giggle and take photos. In a few years the rules will change; she’ll smart from the sharp smack on her fingers and the stern words to behave.
A young man dressed in a cream coloured toga, red cape and brown sandals walks past me. I remember chunks from my history texts – the politics of the time, the wars waged, the conquests, the brutal games, the betrayals, all masked behind good intentions and works of beauty.
He smiles. I smile back, unsure about which of us is stuck in the wrong time.
25 Responses to “Blurring Time and the Roman Baths”
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- - February 26, 2010
Bath! such a pretty town! – esp by the river…. oooh! thanks for the memories (see how many exclamation marks
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Anytime! I’ve read you posts, and absolutely loved them.
Awesome flash memory! Love these
Thanks! I do too
Your writing has such an incredible calming quality, your diction so fluid. But that quality is wonderfully deceptive — it reels you in, and brings you easily to a hard-hitter like this:
I remember chunks from my history texts – the politics of the time, the wars waged, the conquests, the brutal games, the betrayals, all masked behind good intentions and works of beauty.
Great post, Neha.
Thanks so much. Am glad you enjoyed this.
You rock.
So does Bath, loved that place.
Haha!
Neha you always write such beautiful pieces, I loved this one.
Thanks so much!
Neha-
Oh, I loved this. So tightly crafted and so vivid. I saw the girl dipping her hand in the water and then fast-forwarded to that impish impulse being cut short. You conveyed so much feeling in so few words.
Thanks! I’m learning from the best
Neha – this is beautiful and inspirational. Thanks for giving us something to work toward when materializing memories into words.
Thanks Carina!
The man in the toga – they really get into the swing of things at the bath, huh? And I love your last line.
Thanks Sabina. Loving your new blog!
I am in love with Bath – the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, Crescent, everything!
Awesome writing! There’s a great flow in your words, and subtle expressions – which feel almost unsaid, but always hit hard! Great stuff!
Thanks! I saw the photos on your blog. They’re lovely!
Wonderful piece Nehoo
Thanks for reading Kits!
What a beautifully crafted memory. Ahhh-just love your writing.
Thanks Nancy!
I’ve read you posts, and i absolutely loved them.I enjoy alot and also like photo.thanku alot
Gorgeous picture! And the writing totally fits the mood. Love it.