Vincent Van Gogh 94 -The Sun Flowers Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Vincent was fascinated with nature and the flowers.
During Spring in Paris, Vincent made many drawings
Of gardens and flowers. One of the most fascinating
Paintings that captured the hearts of artistes was
A unique, vase of twelve beautiful Sun flowers.
Paul Gauguin exclaimed- ‘That it's the flower'!
Over a period of time, Van Gogh's painting of
Sun flowers became synonymous with his name.
His work of the Sun flowers blazed like circles of energy,
That depicted sunshine of hope and burst of tremendous joy.

Vincent took a fascination for Sunflowers
While he walked around Montmartre in Paris in 1887.
He observed these flowers closely in the cottage gardens.
He watched them blooming and glowing in sun,
Then, gradually drying up, as the weather changed,
And finally, withering away as the season ended.
He enjoyed drawing and painting the sunflowers,
He painted the petals with flaming golden yellow hue,
And the rounded disc of seeds in the centre with brown,
A display of vivacious flowers brimming with happiness.

Vincent knew that he had created something spectacular.
He continued to paint many more Sun flowers while in Arles.
Vincent lighted the walls of his house with Sun flowers paintings.
In spite of having gone through many hardships in life,
He was aware and still believed in the goodness of Nature.
The Sun flowers not only inspired, motivated Vincent,
But became a quest and symbol of spiritual fulfillment.
He wrote to Theo: "I am painting with the gusto of a Marseillais Eating bouillabaisse, which won't come as a surprise to you
When You learn that I am painting sunflowers."

A Biographical Poem