The Sycamore Tree, a year later

Today is the day where I am going to play again to the Sycamore Gap Tree. This time I will be performing a new piece called New Life Springs to the new sproudings that are coming out from its roots.

Me playing next to the stump

The weather seems to be supportive, cloudy but not rainy at least. I am confident that it will be ok. I managed to find a lift to the discovery centre where the footpath begins. Everywhere I look seems so familiar, it is a very strange feeling. I can’t stop overlapping what I see with my memories of the last year: the heavy rain, no transportations, alone. This time is different though as it is packed with families with children and hiking enthusiasts enjoying a day off from their routine.

We have just parked and it's time now to enter the Northumberland park. I am so full of emotions that I can barely move my feet. I thought I would have never had the chance to come back here so soon again, but here I am. It is like a dream.

The view of the Northumberland Park

Walking by, I revive everything and everything seems to be exactly where I left it: a spot full of mud difficult to cross, the slippery rocks at the beginning of the path, the stunning view, the clouds and the wind.

The Hadrian’s wall is right on my left. I am almost arrived, one more hill to pass and I will be right in front of the stump of the Sycamore. I still have the vivid image of the tree laying on the ground, unarmed and hurt. I don’t know how I am going to react now, I don’t want to see it.

As soos as I turn left, a wonderful stump is alive, with strong sproudings coming out its body, and surrounded by festive people. Everyone is taking pictures, chatting, laughing and enjoying respectfully the Sycamore. It is a joyous moment.

I am surprised to see the power of this common tree of getting all this people together.

It is time to my tribute. I put a few rocks together to arrange a sort of seat in front of the fence, I take my cello out of its case and I start playing a lullaby.

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