Vincent Van Gogh 17 - In Brussels Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Vincent wrote to his brother Theo: 'When we drove back
From Zundert that evening, Father and I walked awhile.
The sun was setting behind the pine trees,
And the evening sky was reflected in the pools,
The heath and the yellow and white and grey sand
Were full of harmony and sentiment: -see, there are
Moments in life when everything, within us too,
Is full of peace and sentiment, and our whole life seems
To be a path through the heath, but it is not always so'

Vincent along with his father went to Brussels,
To enquire of a shorter course of three years,
Unlike Amsterdam, where the course extended to six years.
While still studying you could apply for a position
As an Evangelist even before you completed the course.
It was better to give popular and attractive talks,
Rather than long and learned lectures for the people.
The Belgian Committee of Evangelization of Reverends,
Accepted Vincent as their pupil. There were only two other boys.

The three of them were put in charge of Master Bokma,
A small wiry man, with whom Vincent had a difficult time.
The two young boys were nasty, making fun of Vincent.
Master Bokma taught them to become good speakers.
Each day they had to deliver a lecture in class.
The two country boys managed to concoct something each day,
While Vincent seriously worked on his sermons, pouring out his heart,
But unfortunately, when the time came for him to speak,
Words failed him totally and would not come out.

Bokma would become furious with Vincent. He would shout:
'How can you hope to be an evangelist, Van Gogh?
When you cannot even speak? Who will listen to you? '
Is that the way they teach you in Amsterdam? '
His classmates laughed outright at his clumsy attempts
While Bokma joined in their ridicule instead of supporting Vincent.
Vincent was totally demoralized, frustrated and angry.
He flatly refused to deliver his lectures extempore.
'Master Bokma', he declared, 'I will deliver my sermons
As I see fit. My work is good, and I refuse to submit to your insults.'

The conflict between Bokma and Vincent continued till the day
He was summoned to the church to meet the committee.
Vincent thought that at last, all the impediments were over.
The committee appointed the young boys but refused
A position for Vincent. Vincent asked:
'What was wrong with my work? ' The answer was:
'You refused to submit to authority.
The first rule of our church is obedience.
Further, you did not succeed in learning how to speak extempore.
Your master feels you are not qualified to teach.'

Vincent was shocked and numbed.
He stared down for a while, then slowly,
Turned and walked out in silence.
The time spent in Evangelical school was
Not at all, like a peaceful walk through the heath.
Instead, it was disgusting, disgraceful
Far from harmony, light and joy.
Vincent may have wondered of the words
From the Bible: 'Light that rise from the darkness.'
Here, he was totally eclipsed by emptiness and void!

A Biographical Poem