Vincent Van Gogh 78 - Penniless & Starved Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

As days went by,
Vincent found his existence in The Hague.
Exhausting, discouraging and exasperating.
The only redeeming factor was Christine.
They shared some moments of peaceful companionship.
Christine visited Vincent's studio every morning
She helped him in all ways, including posing as a model.
Before she left in the evening, she prepared dinner for him too.

For Vincent, who was starved of any kind of affection,
Christine became his solace and comfort in The Hague.
He gave Christine a franc a day. That's all he could afford.
But later, that too, became difficult. He had no money to give her.
But Christine did not mind. She stayed on.
She was happy to spend time in Vincent's studio,
Stay on to mend his clothes or cook for him.
She even began to share her income with Vincent to buy food.

Both knew how difficult it was to earn money, to skip a meal.
But the cruel society or the outside world never understood
The meaning of simple life, kindness and companionship.
Word went around that Vincent was having a mistress.
When Vincent approached Tersteeg for money, once again,
Tersteeg voiced out his disgust: "I am really disappointed Vincent, Your work remains uncouth and amateurish.
Of one thing I am sure, you are no artiste."

" Mijnheer Tersteeg, I have not had a centime in my pocket for
a piece of bread in five days. But I would not ask you for money
If it were for myself. I have a model, a poor sick woman.
I have not been able to pay her the money I owe.
She needs it. I beg you to lend me ten guilders until
The money arrives from Theo. I will pay it back."
" I am no artiste and I have no ability………But for the sake
of our old friendship, I ask you to lend me ten guilders."

A Biographical Poem