Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh
     By Dane Smith-Johnsen

Passion tormenting.
Acceptance?  Unholy flaw.
Vibrant colors capturing,
All alone he saw.
Beyond starry skies at night,
Honored by his vibrant brush.
Cypress glory, bright,
Embedded images hushed.
Country houses, peasants, cows,
Smitten.  His soul crushed.
Chestnut trees.  And coleus.
Perfected by sorrows eyes.
Lilac bushes.  Irises.
Still Van Gogh's soul cries.
Orchards' blossoms, olive trees,
Fields.  Bottles.  Hats.  Books.  And Seas.
Still-lives.  Harvests. Groves.
Then, to the asylum led.
Protected from hurtful flows.
Eyes absorbing strife-
Gripping anticipations.
Frantic energetic strokes,
Garden.  Creations.
Pondering at his easel.
Paint, brushes and canvas hoped.
Life moaned in his face.
Endless striving.  His mind seized. 
Competition wore him down.
Peer recognitions.
Pained.  Rejected. Feeling naught.
Oh, “Sunflowers in a Vase”,
By death fame was bought.


"Self-Portrait In Front Of The Easel"
To view, use the link below.
http://globalwholesaleart.com/selfportrait-front-easel-p-6458.html

This poem was written for Abe Lopez's Van Gogh contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kendrick Avatar
October 17, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Congratulations on win. Keep writing. Sara
Mason Avatar
October 11, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations Dane Ann on your win in Abe's contest !! The first 4 lines of this write reflect a perfect composite of VanGogh !!
La France Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 7:02 PM
congratulations on your win.. very very beautiful poem
Guzzi Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Just wonderful captivating..great depth..a depth only achieved by a long full life! Congrads! Light & Love
Augustus Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Lovely and vivid description in your choka. Congratulations on your third place win!
Fraser Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Dane, congratulations for your third place in Abe's wonderful contest, super poem >> James
Curcio Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 9:52 AM
COngratulations on your win!
Gorelick Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 8:53 AM
what a great job you did with this one. Congrats on your win. Hope you are feeling better. BG
Richards Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
A wonderful job, Dane Ann....Congratulations on your 3rd place winning poem! ~ love, Carrie
Culverhouse Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 5:47 AM
wonderful, congrats on the win!!
Brown Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 3:17 AM
Congratulations on your win in Abe's contest DaneAnn. Love, Carol
George   Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Dear Dane Anne, You have told his life story and conveyed his inner-turmoil in this winning Choka. Congratulations on yourwell deserved win!. Love, Lainie
Devonshire Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Congratulations on your success in Abe's contest, Dane! This incredible write contained so many elements present in Van Gogh's work. It's truly a winner! Love, Carolyn
Moreno Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Dane, congrats on third place in the contest...Raul
George   Avatar
September 21, 2009 at 7:35 AM
AWESOME, dear Dane. Love Lainie
Brown Avatar
September 21, 2009 at 4:46 AM
Thank you for sharing your excellent poetry with us Dane Ann. As always I wish you the best in your future writing endeavors whatever they may be. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Wishing you the best in the contest again. Love, Carol
Sheart Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Hi, You capture Vincent Van Gogh's spirit so very well in this amazing write. One of my favorite's too. A very complex man. Good luck in Abe's contest, though a winner either way! Take care Love Light Truth Patricia
Chircop Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 1:46 PM
amaziiinngg;)well penned a beauty--Charma
Devonshire Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Soup Mail for Dane!
Richards Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 7:15 AM
A poetic biography as well as amazing reflection on his portrait! Well done....!!
Devonshire Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 6:52 AM
Beautiful description of my favorite artist, Dane. Indeed, he seemed to paint in "Frantic energetic strokes. Used to have a print of "Sunflowers" when I lived in New Jersey. Like the way you not only described his style and the torments he suffered, but also wove in some of his titled works. Excellent write! Good luck in the contest. Love you, Carolyn
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace