Vincent Van Gogh 53 - Intangible Nature Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon
Vincent Van Gogh 53 - Intangible Nature
Vincent felt nature is intangible;
An artiste must be perceptible,
And sensitive to nature's elusive character.
To copy it into paper is not easy,
One has to seize it with a strong hand.
As Vincent fully immersed himself with nature,
He became a part of nature's mystery,
His vision was superior to any others,
He was able to perceive vibrant colours in nature,
While the villagers, never could comprehend his vision.
One day, while Vincent was seated in the woods,
Painting a large pinewood being cut down,
And a lone tree standing by the creek,
A labourer clearing away the woods came,
Stood over Vincent's shoulders to watch him.
But the man was not quietly watching Vincent,
He made jeering sounds, laughed and scoffed.
Vincent wanted to know what amused the man.
He asked him: " What is so funny about drawing a tree? "
The man replied: " Yes, it is funny. You are a ‘Fou'! "
Vincent was angry and disturbed.
He fired the labourer with a series of questions.
"Would I be fou, if I planted a tree?
Would I be fou, if I tended the tree and took care of it?
Would I be fou, if I picked the fruit off?
Well then, would I be fou, if I chopped the tree down?
Then, I can plant a tree, tend it, pick it, and cut it down,
But if I draw one, I am a fou. Is that right?
The peasant unmoved, broke into his broad grin again.
Yes! You must be fou, to sit there like that.
All the village says so."
A Biographical Poem
A beautiful biographical poem that wonderfully and brilliantly depicts how Van Gogh became an extraordinary painter by immersing himself with nature.
An ordinary layman could never fathom the passion of an extraordinary artist. To them, too much immersion into something , is a deviation of the normal behavior.
" He became a part of nature's mystery" We could read this in his paintings. The best episode of the series so far! Great work Geeta. Top score!
And we must all be 'fous' for writing poetry. So be it! I'd rather be a 'fou' writing poetry than a 'fou' watching TV all day long!
A great contribution to PH by Dr.Geeta....interesting, informative and highly inspiring...I amamazed at your dedicated service to poetry...wish you all the best for a happy life
superb and fantastic writings on the great artistic picture; just love this
I appreciate your idea of attaching images of artist's paintings with poems.
The dialogue between Vincent and the labourer reflect their respective yet conflicting backgrounds. Thanks.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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3/25/2023 4:07:49 AM # 1.0.0.1112
Another well expressed and presented biographical poem. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing, Dr. Geeta.