Vincent Van Gogh 13 - In Amsterdam Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

When Vincent returned home to his parents in Zundert,
They knew that their son was going through a mental trauma.
His father advised him: ' Dear Son, you are not fit for all these shops.
Your heart must be guiding you towards service of God.
Why not go to Amsterdam, stay with Uncle Jan and take up
Religious studies in the University of Amsterdam?
One member of the Van Gogh family had always
Dedicated their life to the ministry and service of God.'

Following his father's advice, Vincent decided to study religion.
Uncle Jan or Vice Admiral Johannes Van Gogh - a high ranking officer
In Dutch Navy, invited his nephew Vincent to stay with him in Amsterdam.
In honour of his nephew's arrival, he donned his smart Navy uniform.
He stood at the entrance to receive Vincent. He had a sprawling house all to himself.
All his children were married and away. It was, indeed,
A pleasure for him to accommodate Vincent, during his period of study.

Vincent was also greeted by another relative -Reverend Stricker!
A reputed clergyman in Amsterdam, Stricker was married
To Wilhelmina - his mother's sister - his aunt.
After the initial greetings, Vincent was informed that
They had arranged a tutor for him too - a fine scholar
Of classical languages named Mendes de Costa.
Mendes would be Vincent's teacher for Latin & Greek.
Stricker also invited Vincent to his home for Sunday dinner.

Here began a new life for Vincent of much reading and learning!
It looked as if the bright sun had waved away the lonely grey clouds.
The Dutch skies looked clear, bright and luminous.
Vincent wrote to his brother Theo:
'Not a day without a line, by writing, reading, working
And practicing daily, perseverance will lead me to a good end.
I have a lot of work to do, but still, I have the firm hope to succeed.
It will take time. It is what everybody says.'

A Biographical Poem