Notes About The Poem

Shadowed Hills and Starry Skies

A composition on canvas; lyrics written for a song
Tortured was a soul asking, "Where do I belong?"
Daunted with a fragile mind but never was he blind
to being rejected although his love for her was true.
In oils squeezed upon a palette, did he seek to find
peace in such a hostile world, he painted cobalt blue.

Don Mclean denied accusers of Van Gogh's insanity,
Windswept clouds were part of his artistic humanity.
Brush strokes of sadness were not proof of madness.
With such a depth of emotions, why did no one see
the hand of one who created the abstract landscape
unlocked Vincent's prison door so he could escape?

His visions of dark shadowed hills and starry skies,
were boldly brushed with sighs and wearied eyes.
A tapestry he left behind; a life of angst and regret.
Yet, no one listened before he took his final breath.
Van Gogh sought freedom but only found it in death.
A tragedy that can never be compensated or offset.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Allison Avatar
May 1, 2023 at 4:45 AM
A lovely tribute Lin - he only sold one poem in his lifetime now they are worth mega millions. I love Vincent by Don Mclean xx
Lane Avatar
May 1, 2023 at 10:49 AM
Thank you, Jan.
Koplin Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 1:51 PM
It's unfortunate that most artists do not gain fame until they are dead and gone. Well done Lin!
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 3:25 PM
That's a sad truth. Thank you so much, Mark.
Goldsmith Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 1:18 PM
A wonderful write/story/ending/picture. I really enjoyed this one.  Be blessed as you write away.......................
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 3:24 PM
Thank you very much, Paula.
Kitchin Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 7:03 AM
Lin, beautiful lines that captured the tragic life of Van Gogh despite the perpetual gift of his artistic talent that will live on forever.
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 7:20 AM
and so very important that it perpetually will. Thanks a lot, Tania.
Mcintosh Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 6:44 AM
Beautiful. God bless you. Love, Gina
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 6:54 AM
Hi Gina. Thanks so very much for leaving your thoughtful comments.
Cunningham Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 5:58 AM
A troubled soul who died at the age of 37, a pity fame only came after his death by suicide. He'd I believe painted over 2000 paintings. A lovely tribute verse Lin. Tom
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 6:25 AM
Artists are often misunderstood, misjudged, and/or criticized. Van Gogh was sensitive to the scorn of others. In today's world, we do not crumble so easily. Thanks for the added information. His life and works of art are worthy of more research. I'm very grateful for your comments.
Turner Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 5:24 AM
Gem of a poem about Van Gogh, Lin. I also love the Don Mclean song. I enjoyed reading this. Have a wonderful Sunday:)
Lane Avatar
April 30, 2023 at 6:11 AM
Danny, I have more to thank you for than just your kind comments. You led me to McClean's 'Vincent,' and thus these lines were born. So... thank you!
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