Geoffrey from New York
Central Park Benches New York
Poignant inscriptions
Entering Central Park through the Women’s Gate (72nd Street West), then following the sidewalk edged on either hand with benches where sitting idlers observe your passing, then between and under the Katsura Trees (which in the autumn smell of caramelized sugar) framing the pathway entrance to Strawberry Fields, you will encounter even more benches with many more idlers listening to buskers like The Meetles, all inspired by The Beatles and the lyrics of John Lennon. Of course, it was Yoko Ono who brought this shrine into being.
Central Park benches—apart from their comfort—are known for their commemorative plaques. Park lovers have embraced the idea to the degree that it is uncommon to find a bench without a plaque.
One such is on a bench in Strawberry Fields just beyond those Katsura Trees on your right hand, near where a first glimpse the Imagine mosaic is had.
It commemorates those who died in the World Trade Center collapse but what holds my attention is that it is dedicated by the citizens of the City of Liverpool.
Its presence invokes the powerful message that this Liverpool native who was murdered by an American using a handgun at the entrance to the Dakota Apartment across the street, wrote words that need to be considered by the nation that also experienced a murderous attack in 2001.
Point taken. The message is clear:
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…
The nearby subway station holds large, inspiring mosaics also designed by Ono.
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