November 05, 1988
Dear Theo,
Gauguin wants me to paint
from memory but I struggle
against his instruction
when my face craves the sun,
and my brush strokes
itself best when I am outdoors
surrounded by a cascade of color.
Last night, I dreamed
of mother and Willemien
walking past a maidservant.
As an experiment, I painted
a memory painting
but exaggerated and distorted
the women, the landscape.
Here, as if crafting a poem,
a profusion of pink and scarlet
geraniums and lemon
yellow dahlias splash
among some sweet white flowers,
wind their way across the canvas.
Surely, allegory consumed me
in memory of the parsonage,
flowers, and the leaning cypress trees.
I plan to hang this painting
in my bedroom at the Yellow House.
Perhaps if I tire of staring
at mother’s sad face,
I will send by post for your viewing.
Please send more canvases
and paints.
Yours with a handshake,
Vincent
Previously posted by Gyroscope Review, Spring 2024 Issue, published May 31, 2024. This poem was nominated for a Pushcart Award for 2024 by Gyroscope Review.