Vincent Van Gogh 11 - A Teacher & A Preacher Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Having left the firm of Goupil & Co in London,
Vincent worked briefly as a teacher for Mr. Stokes
In Ramsgate. There were twenty four boys at the school,
From ten to fourteen years of age.
Vincent had to teach French, German and Dutch,
Besides keeping an eye on the boys, after school hours.
He was offered free boarding and lodging,
But with no salary at all! He asked Mr. Stokes:
‘Can't you pay me just a small sum. Mr. Stokes? '
‘Enough to buy tobacco and clothes? ' ‘No! ' he replied.
‘I can get teachers enough for just board and lodging.'
No wonder, Vincent endured this job only for two months!

Vincent found a better position at Mr. Jones's Methodist school
In Isleworth. Mr Jones was a minister with a large parish.
Vincent was soon promoted from a teacher to a country curate.
People liked the young Dutch preacher.
When he gave a sermon, he spoke with fervour and conviction.
Vincent's penetrating blue eyes and his big head with red hair,
Had a tremendous effect on the congregation.
Many came up to him with a smile after the sermon,
Shook hands and thanked him warmly.
But unfortunately, it turned out to be at a time,
When Vincent's aspirations of Ursula as an evangelist's wife,
Came crashing down, splintering down into irretrievable bits.

Ursula had gifted him a big basket of pain.
He embraced this pain, carried it,
And made it a part of his life.
No more sermons or preaching,
To the service of God and the Gospel
He collected his belongings and bid a final good bye to England!

Vincent wrote to his brother Theo:
' I suppose that for a sower of seed in the fields,
each day will bring enough of its own evil -
the earth will produce many thorns and thistles -
let us continue to help each other and ask for brotherly love.
Much good may be in store for us in the future! '

A Biographical poem