Vincent Van Gogh 86 - A Storm In Nuenen Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Though Vincent knew, he would never love Margot
The way he loved Ursula and Kay,
Or even Christine, in an odd way,
Yet, he felt overwhelmed with the love, attention,
Affection showered on him by Margot.
Now, he knew exactly how it felt, not be loved,
As was the case, with his first two love affairs.
Margot loved him passionately and whole heartedly.
He could never refuse, reject or insult Margot.
Vincent was a kind soul and a thorough gentleman!

Vincent proposed to Margot and she happily accepted.
The couple informed their families about their decision.
There arose a storm in Nuenen between the two families.
The Van Gogh family opposed the marriage
Only for the reason that Vincent had no income.
But the Begemans were unreasonable and adamant.
If the four Begeman sisters were unmarried, then,
The fifth had no right to get married as well.
Madam Begeman, the mother of the five girls
Abused and condemned Vincent of all vicious deeds.

Margot was extremely upset with her family.
Vincent consoled her and went to meet the Begemans.
As soon as he entered their house, a sinister air prevailed.
The women of the house attacked him with accusations.
Vincent was thirty one, while Margot was already forty.
He had no income at all, how dare he think of marriage.
His past life with women, especially with a prostitute
Had left a terrible mark on his character and life style.
He was a drifter, idler, a tramp, and a worthless fellow.
Vincent listened, replied gently, and then, walked out.

Vincent realized it would be a sin if he left Margot alone,
With these weird, uncouth, barren women.
The only way was to leave Brabant with Margot.
They could escape to a better city like Paris. But,
Before that he needed to complete some paintings.
Margot felt miserable about the whole episode.
However much she wanted to be Vincent's wife
She could never leave Brabant and run away.
She also knew that Vincent actually did not love her,
He was just being kind, compassionate and amicable.

A Biographical Poem