Vincent Van Gogh 97 - Almond & Peach Blossoms Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Vincent did not waste a single moment in Arles.
He got up early morning, walked along the Rhone river
Until he found a spot that attracted him immensely.
He never forgot to carry with him his easel, paints and canvas.
But he always forgot to carry his hat. He would continue to paint
In the hot glare of the sun, the ultra violet rays piercing into his eyes.
As he painted in the open area, the sun burned his head.
He would return to his hotel, only after the sun had set.

Each day, Vincent set out at dawn, to capture the flowering buds.
So charmed by the almond trees and the peach blossoms.
He worked like a machine, painting continuously,
One painting after another, in unbelievable speed.
As orchards were in bloom, he wanted to draw and paint
In quick succession, before the flowers disappeared.
He would finish a painting in the morning, then,
Without a break for lunch, would start painting the next one.

All Vincent wanted to do was to paint, paint and paint.
He had no hunger for food but was hungry only to paint.
He did not care whether his painting was good or bad,
All he cared was bright colours on his canvas,
Shining like the sun and shimmering like the blossoms,
He was lost in his creative expression of nature's magic
Like a fountain of passion pouring out in sprightly exuberance.

In sheer excitement, Vincent wrote to brother Theo:
' I have finished a group of apricot trees in a little orchard
Of a fresh green apricot trees of a very pale rose.
It is as good as the rose-coloured peach trees.
You will see that the rose coloured peach trees
Were painted with a sort of passion.'……………
' I am up in my ears with work. for the trees are in blossom.
And I want to paint a Provencal orchard of astounding gaiety.'

A Biographical Poem