Sadness Of The Sycamore

I wrote this poem the day I heard news of the vandalism of the Sycamore Gap Tree at Hadrian's Wall. An Iconic British landmark. I wrote about how it must have felt when it stood proudly for us.

Once proud I stood, a sentinel of old,

In Sycamore Gap, where history unfolds,

Along the winding path of Hadrian's Wall,

My boughs stretched out, as if embracing all.

Through countless seasons, I witnessed the years,

Each whispered tale that passed these ancient piers,

But now, how deep the sadness I impart,

For vandals' cruel hands tore me apart.

Oh, sorrowful fate that befell my soul,

No mercy shown as they wielded their toll,

With reckless might, they silenced my song,

Leaving me fallen, broken and wronged.

No longer shall leaves dance in the gentle breeze,

Where once I swayed in grace, now I cease,

My branches, like arms, stripped off in disdain,

Echoes of pain linger upon this plain.

The gap bereft, a void in its embrace,

A loss of nature's grandeur, wondrous grace,

No sentinel now guards the path once dear,

Only echoes of my whispers remain here.

Oh, travelers who pass by this hollow scene,

Pause for a moment, listen to my keen,

The tale of a mighty tree, now cut down,

A loss ingrained, a thorny sorrow's crown.

Remember my presence, my vibrant crown,

In memory, let my essence still be found,

For though they took my body with no remorse,

My spirit lingers still beside the course.

The sadness of Sycamore Gap shall endure,

A scar reflected in those who explore,

May my fall remind of the fragile thread,

That binds us all, by nature's hand, well led.

In nature's vast tapestry, each piece has worth,

Yet, vandals carelessly stole my earthly berth,

I implore you, let my tale be a plea,

To safeguard our heritage, let it be.

Embrace the trees, like guardians we yearn,

Respect their presence, let them live and return,

For in their embrace, stories are entwined,

And the beauty of nature is most kind.

Reviews

[willweb]

Really nicely crafted. I too felt pain when reading the story of this youthful vandalism. They aren't taught very well it seems. Plus, I always enjoy the use of Sycamore in poetry, there is something very poetic about the word and the tree. Thank you for sharing this

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Always good to get the Tree's perspective...
the vandals will get theirs in the end.

And the meek shall inherit the earth, especially those who grow from the soil of it.
j.

[Arundass TP]

Excellent writing. Loved it and enjoyed

[Chris Shaw]

A befitting memorial to a beautiful and famous tree. I read about this in the news and was more than saddened by its demise. Superbly crafted poetry. An act of butchery.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I can feel your pain in this one. I cannot abide vandals who desecrate old buildings, but those who abuse ancient living things are beyond the pale. This one has altered my stance on flogging.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Richie,

Very nice thoughts written here as per life, and, regardless of all the evil that dost befall us, Trees have never done a single soul wrong ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[John Sullivan]

Absolutely wonderful job. Loved it!

[Relic]

Awesome job on this. Your pace and rhythm in this are spot on. Great poem. :)

[Richie Stevens]

Thank you very much! 😊