I ask this question, not that I'm interested if a sycamore can or not live 450 yrs. I am interested, just not right now. What I am interested in is the man who told of this particular tree, and how we started talking.
Meet Johnny, an old soldier. In the UN memorial park at the rear of Arbour hill cemetary, Johnny was minding his own buisness this Sunday morning last. I happened into the park as a curios photographer does, always looking about, seeing what captures the eye or imagination, and Yes - I did have the camera.
Johnnys attire was not the best presented, shoes were ragged and open, wearing raintrousers and an old coat. He is probably in his 70's but his eyes don't show that - they still sparkle. He was freshly shaven - not sure if that meant anything, sure it did - why else would such detail be out of step with his clothes ??
"That Gun is 1935" he called. I had noticed him sitting in the corner amongst the leaves, playing with a stray dog. First impressions were typical, down+out, drunk, homeless. That wouldn't bother me, live and let live.
But Johnny was above that. He had interest and knowledge in the area and was willing to pass it on if anyone was interested in listening. I had time, I listened.
When Time came to part, Johnny had grown on me. I have a spate of knowledge on Irish history and military. Not extensive by any means I might add. But Johhny - he was living military history. Probably only a private, I don't know. But he spent his life in uniform. A marksman he says - could hit a fly at a hundred yards. Couldn't go to the Congo because of it. He loves Ireland. His talking of the graveyard - "see those trees, there's 19 of them there, and look - there's 16 of them there. 19+16 ...1916 - there should also be symbols like that, makes you look, makes you think"
The graveyard - Arbour hill is the resting place of the leaders from the 1916 uprising.
And the sycamore tree - it stands tall and wide looking over the graves. Its roots stretching wide, and it's where Johnny hangs out.
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