Centennial Park: A Paradise in the City
One of my favorite places in Nashville is the Centennial Park. Once you enter you almost forget it is located within a metropolitan area. Nature envelops you. The crowning glory is the Parthenon. This strong and elegant building has sturdy pillars surrounding it. It has detailed ceilings and intricate images of gods that border the sides of the roof. It is breath-taking. There are all types of people in the park. From those in strollers to elderly people, from the very rich to the homeless, from the fairest of fair to the most swarthy, all inhabiting this space. It is a kind of paradise. It reminds me of heaven in the fact that it is tranquil and all types of people are gathered in harmony. At the same time, this place doesn't let you ignore that this earth is not our home nor is it a paradise. There are homeless people begging for money. People walk past without even a glance to affirm their basic human dignity. I always remember to smile and acknowledge homeless people t...