Vincent Van Gogh 68 - A Stormy Scene Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Next morning, before Vincent got up,
Kay had left the house with her son.
Vincent's father drove her up to Breda station.
From there, she boarded a train to Amsterdam,
To the safe haven of her Parents house.
When Vincent heard from his mother
That Kay had left their home in haste,
He wanted to rush to the station to meet her,
But it was too late …… of what purpose or avail?

Vincent's Parents repeatedly talked,
Advised and knocked into Vincent's head,
About the futility of his desperate love for Kay.
Firstly, Vincent needed to accept the fact that
Kay was his cousin sister, his aunt's daughter.
It was against the laws of nature and religion,
To marry a sister, verily, it was a sin to do so!
He should refrain from harbouring such thoughts,
As it would lead to breaking up family ties.
Vincent's father emphatically stated that
Vincent's conduct was unpardonable!

Secondly, Vincent was a full-grown man
Of twenty-eight years, and till date,
He had not earned a single penny or dime.
How will he ever support a wife or a family?
For all Vincent's personal needs and sketches,
Like buying paper, brushes and paints,
Theo sent him money from Paris.
Even a train journey was impossible.
Without Theo's financial support.
Kay was brought up in luxury and style,
Would she ever settle for a man who had nothing?

Thirdly and most importantly,
Kay had no feelings or love for Vincent.
Why chase a forbidden and unrequited love?
Love cannot be forced, demanded or grabbed
It has to be natural like a sweet, serene flowing stream!
The words, "No, never, never" was a clear indication
That their love was not like a sweet, romantic melody,
Instead, for Vincent, it was like a terrible blow,
Just like a death sentence,
That numbed his heart with intense pain!

A Biographical Poem