Vincent Van Gogh 90 - Vincent In Paris With Theo Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

This was perhaps, the happiest time in Vincent's life,
A period of revelation, realization and reassurance,
When Vincent lived with his brother Theo in Paris.
Theo had got a promotion and was in charge of
Goupils Art Gallery, in Boulevard Montmartre.
Vincent was all excited to walk downhill with Theo
Along Theo's favourite road to the Boulevard,
And to explore the romantic city of Paris.

When Vincent entered the Goupil Gallery,
He was enveloped by the sweet aroma of refined culture.
The clerks seated in the office greeted, bowed to Theo.
Theo directed Vincent to the Gallery upstairs to view it,
While he went to his office cabin, to do his work.
When Vincent entered the hall of paintings,
He was wonderstruck by the vibrant paintings
That welcomed him with an array of rainbow colours!

All these years, Vincent had seen and drawn
Only dark, serious, sad paintings!
What he witnessed now, was something very different!
The colourful paintings lined in the gallery seemed
To laugh, poke fun and ridicule him.
Vincent realized the apathy of colours in his canvas.
His brush strokes were familiar only with sombre shades -
Blacks, browns and greys that dominated his paintings!

Vincent was stunned! "Here were pictures
Riotously mad with the sun.
With light, air and throbbing vivacity.
Paintings of ballet girls back stage,
Done in primitive, reds, greens and blues,
Thrown next to each other irreverently.
He looked at the signatures." Degas, Monet & Manet!
Vincent sat down mesmerized by the new paintings.

A Biographical Poem