Vincent Willem Van Gogh

Poet's Notes

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Author's Note: I wrote this poem originally during December 15, 2018. Clerihew themes consist of a brief, four-lined stanza with lines of different length, and with a distinct play on words that may render a humorous or ironic view of a certain famous person or perhaps an event, or even a theme likened to a certain person. For me, from my study of van Gogh, I saw a tortured artist who was immersed and trapped within the depths of his emotions, pain, fears, and a state of utter confusion. The play on words are there in this poem, and so is the tragedy of the man himself.

Poetic Themes and Categories: Angst, Anxiety, Art, Depression, Emotions, Life, and Pain.

Vincent Willem van Gogh Vincent van Gogh—a genius artist par excellence As most famously he was known to all, Whilst mired deep in shades of a frenzied, frantic confusion Slices off his left ear he does—faster than he could slice a pear! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved December 15, 2018 (Clerihew)

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David Smith

Date: 4/18/2020 7:22:00 AM

A bit like how you write Gary Trimming to the essential core of the matter. The difference being you took two years to post but still have two ears. Glad I decided to look for your post. Stay safe David in NZ (We are fine here )

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/18/2020 7:49:00 PM

Hello David!! It's really great to hear from you there in NZ!! I am still very active in writing in both poetry and prose. (I just haven't been posting my poetry for a while with Poetry Soup and some other sites.) My second book of poetry, "Reflections in the Mirror," will be published in about the next two months (500-pages or so)!! Stay Safe and Healthy there in NZ, and please do stay in touch!! Best Wishes, Gary

Linda Milgate

Date: 4/1/2020 10:00:00 PM

Nice read and interesting Clerihew, something new for me. Hope you are well, sounds like busy intense time for your poetry

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/1/2020 10:23:00 PM

Hello Linda, I am very pleased that you found my Clerihew on van Gogh to be of interest. I always try, at times, to experiment on poetry forms and themes that I don't normally undertake. And, yes, it is actually a very busy time for me presently since I am getting closer to the publication of my second book of poetry, as well as venturing back over to the prose writing-side of the house. Many Thanks and Best Wishes, Gary

Therese Bacha

Date: 3/15/2020 10:15:00 PM

Hi Gary, I just came by and saw that in 2019 you never posted any poem. Are you ok? I hope so. Me to, I have been away for mostly a year and maybe more. I hope to be back soon. Take care. Love Terry xoxo

Gary Bateman
Date: 3/17/2020 5:50:00 PM

Hello Terry!! Thanks for your note here!! Yup -- during 2019 I was pretty much away getting things finished on my 500-page manuscript for my second book of poetry to be published soon later this year. I have also been very busy in the interim in working future short stories and one novella I'm planning for future formal publication. I plan to post some more poetry eventually, but for now I am focused on the prose-side of things. Cheers and Best Always!! Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 2/18/2020 2:15:00 PM

- So nice to see you, Gary :) - Welcome back - Lovely ode to a great artist who had a way with words as well: (… and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough? Vincent van Gogh) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 2/18/2020 7:56:00 PM

Hello Anne-Lise, I very glad to receive your comments here, and I'm pleased you to hear from you again. This was a drive-by post of mine for now. I'm in the final stages (finally) of getting my second book manuscript off to my publisher by next month. I'll let you know when its published, and will contact Liam as well. All of my newest poetry is in it, plus earlier ones from 2014-15. A multi-year poetic anthology it is. All Fun for Sure!! GB

Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 2/18/2020 2:00:00 PM

Hi there G!:)) And welcome back home to the Soup I'm really so happy to see you posting here again, G!A long time not see you around, An excellent poem you've penned here my very dear friend Gary.Just awesome!Very beautifully written in the Clerihew style.Outstanding piece!As always enjoyed reading your notes, G:) Well done!Golden pen!A fav!Sending my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid, as always:))Please take very good care of each other.All the best to you both always G! And again Welcome back to the Soup!Spill ink!:))Wishing you a very lovely week!In His light God bless you always!:))D

Gary Bateman
Date: 2/18/2020 8:04:00 PM

Hello "D" -- Very Great to hear from you again as well. Thanks for the FAVE too!! I've been away getting my 500-page manuscript of selected poetry ready to send to my publisher, as planned, by next month. I plan to be around from time-to-time. I've been working with Poetry Foundation and the New England Review as well. End Result: Very Much Ink has been spilt!!Best Always!! Spill Ink!! "G"