Vincent Van Gogh 46 - Painting Versus Poverty Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Vincent returned to Petit Wasmes by rail.
Pietersen had given him the railway fare
And a pair of old shoes as well.
Vincent received them with gratitude.
Pietersen had accepted him as a fellow artiste.
That was a big start for him.
He felt if Pietersen had liked his work,
Others would like his paintings too.

Vincent decided to have his own studio.
He rented a miner's hut in Petit Wasmes,
With a rough plank floor, two windows,
A bed, table, chair and a stove.
The monthly rent was only nine francs.
Vincent began sketching the miners.
They were only too happy to be his model.
They helped Vincent to the best of their capacity.

It was a contented, joyous period for Vincent.
He forgot all his failures including his attempt
To qualify as an evangelist and a preacher.
From dawn to dusk, he continued drawing and copying
‘Excercises au Fusain' and ‘Cours de Dessin' by Bargue.
But there was not single centime in his pocket.
He managed with whatever food was offered to him.
He had no time to complain or grumble about his hunger.

The spirit is ever dancing for a passionate artiste,
Embraced by creativity and endless imagination.
But what of the poor belly?
Can it be fed by pencils, paints and brushes alone?
Painting versus Poverty! Who will be the winner?
Alas! The stomach has to fed and nourished
To create magic with fingers on the canvas
And keep the spirit smiling and glowing!

A Biographical Poem!