Vincent Van Gogh 21 - A Ray Of Hope & Rain Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

There are bright spots in dark life
Like the glow worms in dark nights!

Petit Wasmes became a brighter place,
With the arrival of an empathetic heart,
That of noble preacher - Vincent Van Gogh!
The miners addressed him affectionately
As Monseiur Vincent- shyly yet with respect.
There was not a single hut in the village,
That Vincent had not visited or talked to miners
With words of solace and comfort,
Each day, he took food for the hungry,
Nursed the sick and prayed for the miserable.

Life seemed good for Vincent except for the fact
That he was not earning a single penny for his work.
He was supported by his father still, for his upkeep.
Each day, he prayed that he was capable of fending for himself.
On a fine day, a letter arrived from Reverend Pieterson,
The Committee of Evangelization had heard of his splendid work,
Hence, for the next six months he would be paid a salary.
When Vincent read the letter, his joy was boundless.
He jumped with excitement and threw himself on the bed.
At last, he was independent, free and successful!

He sat down to write a jubilant letter to his father,
Thanking him for the financial support all this while,
But he no longer needed it now, as he was sanctioned
By the Evangelization Committee - a salary of fifty francs,
That would take care of his lodging and other needs.
As he finished writing his letter to his father,
The sun had set, he could hear thunder, lightning,
And heavy showers of rain. But that did not bother Vincent!
He ran down the stairs, out of the house into the rain,
Without his coat and hat, to dance with the rhythm of rain!

Momentary, moments of joyous exuberance,
Like a burst of thunderous rain, so exciting!

A Biographical Poem