Immigrants, by Daniel Harwood
Sydney Gardens Tree Weekender writing competition — this piece was selected by our volunteer judges as worthy to be included on a long list. Competition entrants were asked to write a poem or prose piece of 250 words or fewer on the theme of trees in parks and public gardens, as well as identify the local park or garden, the trees in which inspired them.
February, and there were still dapples of snow on the ground, stubborn in the late afternoon cold. As soon as Paolo saw the colour outside, he rushed with a brisk painful stiffness up the hill to the park. He’d never seen anything like it. Silence, and the sky’s western quarter gold and pink. Blood-warm light defied the darkening firmament, and the bandstand was on fire. The orb, raging in its death, threw out its last bright lances, gilding the yew-hedge leaves with thick and dripping colour.
The stunted olive tree was aflame. Singing with gold, its arthritic branches softened, and its withered leaves seemed to bristle in the still air. For a minute or two it was radiant, the King of the Park standing above all trees, even the coast redwood, the copper beech, and the narrow leaved ash. And it ruled the city from its height on that cold still rise of land. Paolo could feel it buzzing and its thrill, its magic and enlivening, became his too. In that moment he heard again the bee’s song, the scent of thyme and his mother’s call.
Next day was pale grey. But as Paolo stood by the olive tree again there was, just for a second, a puff of that herby aroma and a flash of lilac gold in those tired dark leaves. He smiled. Yesterday’s evening enchantment had shifted the aching limbs of these two Sardinians a little way towards the spring.
Horniman Park and Gardens, Forest Hill, London
Dan Harwood volunteers at Sydenham Hill Wood and The Horniman Gardens in London. His story is inspired by a real sunset in that beautiful park.
Read other long listed pieces here. From 24 November, discover whether this piece made the shortlist — you can listen to it using the Echoes.xyz app either within or around Sydney Gardens in Bath or remotely.
Find out about all the events running on-line or in Sydney Gardens over the Tree Weekender on 27 & 28 November 2021, and look out especially for the Celebratory Finale Showcase at which the Competition winners and runners-up will be announced.
With special thanks to Dr Richard White and undergraduate students in Participatory Media at Bath Spa University for their support in making the geo-located audio pieces.
