Vincent Van Gogh 69 - Love & Philosophy Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

"No, never, never"- Kay's words of rejection,
Exploded, pounded and echoed in Vincent's ears,
Day in and day out, like a recurring sermon!
Though the words hit him like a violent blow,
It taught him many new things about love.
In fact, these were new lessons of awareness in life!

Vincent could vent his feelings only to his brother Theo.
He wrote: " Since the beginning of this love I have felt
That unless I gave myself up to it entirely,
Without any restriction, with all my heart,
There was no chance for me whatever,
And even so my chance is slight. But what is it
To me whether my chance is slight or great?
I mean, must I consider this when I love?
No, no reckoning; one loves because one loves!
Then we keep our heads clear, and do not cloud our minds,
Nor do we hide our feelings, nor smother the fire and light.
But simply say: Thank God, I love."

Vincent wrote letters to Kay as well,
She neither opened it or read its contents.
The unopened letters were abandoned by her father-
Reverend Stricker, thoroughly disgusted by the way
In which Vincent was stalking his daughter.
Vincent continued writing to his brother Theo.
"All fathers of girls possess a thing which is called
The key to the front door. A very terrible weapon
Which can open and shut the front door as Peter and Paul
Open the gates of heaven. Well, does this instrument also fit
The heart of the respective daughters? I think not,
But God and love alone can open or shut a woman's heart."

Vincent had his own concept and philosophy of love.
"He who loves lives, he who lives works, he who works has bread.
When she with her lady's hand and I with my ‘draughtsman's fist'
Are willing to work, then the daily bread will not be wanting for us.
Theo, I must see her face again, and speak to her once more.
I want money for the trip to Amsterdam."

A Biographical Poem