Hadrian’s Wall

The first stanza of the poem takes place at Hadrian’s Wall at a spot known as “Sycamore Gap”, because of the gap in the wall where a sycamore tree was planted. It was a popular photography spot for many years, and appeared in several films. The setting is viewed through the eyes of the natural world, rather than the perspective of the characters, which emphasizes the divide and lack of understanding between them.

A Domestic Garden

After Sycamore Gap, the poem shifts to a more intimate scene in the speaker’s home. There is also a shift from night to morning. There is an implied dynamic between parent and daughter in this safe, protected space. Despite the cozy atmosphere, the speaker senses that soon this too will be taken away.