Vincent’s Valentine

Vincent said, “There is
nothing more truly artistic
than to love people.”
But Vincent, when you
braved love’s snarling thicket,
you didn’t expect nervous
coughs in quiet rooms.
You believed that fungus
and algae are stronger together,
survive every kind of weather.
Now, you gaze at your lover
and see no white doves
but a parcel of crows;
no beating heart, no red rose,
just a lichen-covered log
too damp to light the fire.

Kim M. Russell, 2018

Image result for Vincent van Gogh love and rooks
Wheat Field with Crows, July 1890, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam – image found on Wikipedia

My response to Imaginary Garden with Real Toads: Love Hurts, also linked to earthweal open link weekend

Rommy has set the challenge today with a reminder that yesterday was Valentine’s Day. She says that while some people love all the roses, cards and chocolate, others go into the psychological equivalent of diabetic shock at what they feel is a synthetically saccharine holiday.

For today’s challenge, Rommy wants us to offer our poetic thoughts on Hallmark Holidays or contribute a new poem that touches on the darker side of love (heartbreak, jealousy, etc.). It’s the dark side for me!

36 thoughts on “Vincent’s Valentine”

  5. “Now, you gaze at your lover
    and see no white doves
    but …”
    ‘Now I’ve taken off my rose colored glasses’ and I’m seeing what I should have seen along.
    Felt nice reading, Kim.
    I too like van Gogh. We spent a week in St Remmy, Provence, France. There he recovered at a still used sanatorium after he had cut off his ear. I have photos of his olive tree field with the little mountains in the background. Makes goose bumps still thinking of the comparison of today’s with his paintings back then. Glad you posted the wheat field. Thank you.
    ..

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. kaykuala

    no beating heart, no red rose,
    just a lichen-covered log
    too damp to light the fire.

    There are such specimens found along the way. Great presentation Kim!

    Hank

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. So completely wonderful. I love
    “Now, you gaze at your lover
    and see no white doves
    but a parcel of crows;
    no beating heart, no red rose.”
    Glorious imagery!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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