What Did Vincent See?

/ rothpoetry

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What did Vincent see

transporting his soul away

into starry nights

*

Perhaps escape called…

viewing such awesome wonder

as the village slept

Wide eyed he stared past darkness

determined not to forget

*

Morning sun recalls

What others only dreamed of

Vincent remembered…

Clear as crystal stars shone bright

Canvas glowed with gems of night

*

Though no one could see

his mind’s clear epiphany

in that starry night…

Divine touch of clarity

shown through to eternity

*

What did Vincent see

in that bright Starry Night sky

Guess we’ll never know

Pulling our shades tightly shut

We only dream about starry night

Photo of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” taken at my doctor’s office hanging on his wall.

Today is Open Link night at d’Verse. Tonight I am reflecting on this painting. I find Van Gogh’s life and struggles most interesting. His paintings show a uniqueness like no other. The Starry Night probably came from a time when his mind was too troubled to sleep. What an amazing piece of art came to us as a result. He was a true artist who painted for himself alone! All I can say is WOW!

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This is Judy Dykstra Brown’s response to my poem. It is a fantastic compliment to this one.

https://judydykstrabrown.com/2021/08/05/mulberry/

99 thoughts on “What Did Vincent See?”

      • I thought for sure your poem was the result of just seeing the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit instead of a visit to your doctor’s office. My advice — don’t pass up another chance to see the exhibit. Given your beautifully written take on Starry Night, you will find it thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable, and thought provoking.

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      • Thank you Ron! I took the shot as I was waiting for the doctor to return. Inspiration out of boredom! The exhibit would be very interesting to see I am sure.

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  7. Dwight, I had to consider your poem as a challenge. I wrote an ekphrastic poem to Van Gogh’s “The Mulberry Tree” over 25 years ago. Just had to publish it for dVerse. Not a great poem, but couldn’t resist.

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  9. Beautiful poem, Dwight. What he really saw and felt we will probably never be able to express in words but the love he inspired through his painting is
    a testament to the strength and beauty of his work. Wonderful soul.

    I quote your verse:
    “Though no one could see
    his mind’s clear epiphany
    in that starry night…
    Divine touch of clarity “

    Wonderfully expressed.

    Miriam

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  10. Pingback: Mulberry | lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown

      • It’s lovely where your imagination took you Dwight! Vincent had suffered a bad episode during the night and wasn’t well enough to paint what he saw through the window at the institution. He painted it from memory the following day as a study for what would become ‘Sterrennacht over de Rhone’ (Starry Night over the Rhone).

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  13. Nothing can be more appropriate to describe ‘Starry Nights’ than this poem. This poem made my day sir. Thank you for posting this. I hope you have wonderful day ahead !

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  26. I enjoyed your poem, Dwight, and a fitting homage to the late Van Gogh. This is my favourite Vincent painting by far. If you ever visit Holland, I highly recommend the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, it’s truly something ☀️

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  27. The phrase, “Clear as crystal stars shone bright/ Canvas glowed with gems of night” reminded me of a Bob Ross video I watched yesterday as I was in a prone position in the dental chair having my teeth cleaned. Very smart of our dentist to keep us distracted that way! Bob Ross started with a plain canvas and by the time my teeth sparkled smooth and bright again, Ross had transformed that blank canvas into a phenomenal river, evergreens and clouded sky scene. Such talent always amazes me!

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  30. Van Gogh’s art touches my heart in a very special way. It’s almost as though you can feel the emotions in every sweep of the brush. A beautiful ekphrastic response Dwight. Also made me think of the Don McLean song, which is very beautiful too.

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  31. Pingback: What Did Vincent See? – Nelsapy

  32. I love this so much, thanks for sharing. I was just thinking about this painting yesterday. Furthermore, I watched a video yesterday that said it is a myth that he wasn’t recognized. His work was starting to be put in museums and he had a piece that sold for 400 pence. He died right before his pinnacle of success. I hope it is true. ❤

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  35. Some very beautiful things can evolve even from the most troubled minds. He was truly brilliant. I really like the perspective in your poem, acknowledging the clarity he had to see what we could not.

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  36. Excellent, Dwight! Mr. van Gogh is one of my fave artists. I studied him eons ago in college. I have a poster of three of his most famous paintings in front of my computer desk so I can see them every day. Starry Night is one of the three. 🙂 In the past 10 years or so they’ve had some interesting films about his life that we were able to see.
    (((HUGS))) 🙂

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  39. Dwight, This is one of the most iconic paintings, ever! So inspiring!

    In his tortured life, VanGoh created many gorgeous paintings. How sad that he didn’t live to see his eventual success and popularity.

    It would be wonderful if he could read your beautiful tribute! So well-written! ❤

    Take care!

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    • I was told that he did see some modest success with his paintings. Still he would be amazed at the popularity of his work..
      Thank you Cheryl for your kind words! I love this painting.

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