Vincent Van Gogh 76 - Bonding With Christine Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Vincent loved to have models to do his paintings.
When Theo's monthly fund arrived,
Every morning, he went round in search of models.
He would invite different kinds of people to his house,
Like an old woman from a mental asylum,
Or a grandmother with her grandchild.
He preferred labourers, farmers, cleaners or diggers,
Those people who had struggled or faced challenges.
He felt that people who had suffered and toiled in life
Had certain depth, strength and character on their face & body.

Vincent managed a model a day.
He would pay them all to the best of his ability.
Instead of buying food and clothes for himself
He spent his money for the models.
He had to work hard and establish himself
As a painter who could sell his work.
Tersteeg never had a good word for Vincent's work,
Cousin Mauve became difficult and indifferent,
De Bock could never see eye to eye with Vincent.
All of them criticized him for his appearance and paintings.

But there is always a silver lining in the dark clouds
That was Christine whom he had met at the wine shop!
She began visiting Vincent in his house.
Vincent welcomed her home with warmth.
Vincent did not mind her fatigued figure,
Her pock marks on her face or a drooping mouth.
He was happy with her presence in his house,
And always treated her well, like a lady.
She began to pose for him as a model too.
They found solace, comfort in each other's company.

Vincent began addressing Christine as Sien,
As she became a pleasant part of his daily life.
She cooked, cleaned, and sewed.
They chatted and behaved without any inhibitions.
A natural relationship that developed into deep bonding.
For Vincent, it was a relief from melancholic loneliness.
To lead a simple life with minimal wants,
Without pride, pretentions or prejudice is so peaceful.
Isn't life, all about sharing some precious moments?
To love, to be loved, is a lyrical, lilting, love poem of life!

A Biographical Poem