Vincent Van Gogh 5 - Theo Van Gogh Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Rarely do we hear of brothers so bonded,
Like Vincent Van Gogh and his younger brother
Theo Van Gogh - four years younger to Vincent.
They were born to Dutch parents
Anna Carbentus Van Gogh & Theodorous Van Gogh.
Vincent had other siblings too,
Named Elisabeth, Wil and Cor Van Gogh. However,
The bond between Vincent and Theo was truly unique.

Though born in a large family,
Vincent had attachment only to Theo.
Vincent poured out his innermost feelings
His passion for art and nature,
His terrible fears and anxieties,
His troubled mind and feelings,
His excitements and artistic exuberances,
All to one person only - his brother Theo.

Theo was an art dealer,
Who understood Vincent very closely
And stood by him throughout his life;
With much patience and empathy,
Appreciating his drawings and paintings,
Always encouraging him in his work,
Regularly supporting him with money -
An unfailing saviour in every crisis!

The irony and tragedy of such love, kindness
Between two brothers during their short lives
Was that their dreams remained - a dream only!
They were not able to sell a single painting.
A destiny so harsh and cruel!
A struggle so unsuccessful, while they lived.
Both brothers passed away within a gap of six months,
Buried next to each other like inseparable soulmates!