Priceless

-
"Someone has a great fire in his soul and nobody ever comes to warm themselves at it, and passers-by see nothing but a little smoke ... " - from Van Gogh Letters
There is often something we don't have but want, no matter what walk of life. Dreams big and small play in our minds, whether the yearning is for better health, wealth, companionship or fame. Some dream of escaping war or poverty or having a safe bed in which to rest. Endless dreams drift in and out of our waking hours amid realities that can take us down harsh roads. Vincent Van Gogh, this week's prompt at Poets and Storytellers United, had no income. His paintings were viewed as worthless and he died dejected. He'd be shocked to know his work was worth millions today not only because it stirs emotions but because of his personal tragic story. The fruits of his passion were savoured only after his death and decades later at exhibits such as one I visited HERE.
Sometimes dreams do come true but too late for the dreamer ...
making any breath taken with awe and wonder, even in moments unfulfilled, priceless.

Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United and SKYWATCH. 


Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT

Comments

  1. eileeninmdNovember 28, 2023 at 10:05 AM

    Hello,
    Love your poem and the Van Gogh exhibit is beautiful. Take care, have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarjaNovember 29, 2023 at 6:59 PM

    Your poem is stunning Absolutely love it. I am a big fan of van Gogh and went to that show as well where they project his paintings on walls as on your photos. I hope you have a wonderful week Maria

    ReplyDelete
  3. Veronica LeeNovember 29, 2023 at 9:32 PM

    Your poem is beautiful, and the Van Gogh exhibit is stunning.
    Happy Thursday!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TomNovember 30, 2023 at 10:47 AM

    ...Vincent Van Gogh was a genius!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Spare Parts and PicsNovember 30, 2023 at 11:28 AM

    A sad story indeed. Hopefully he had some inkling that his work would be appreciated by others in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yogi♪♪♪November 30, 2023 at 2:36 PM

    We have two Van Gogh things going on in Tulsa right now. We are going to go see one here in a week or two. It looks pretty incredible.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JoyfulDecember 1, 2023 at 12:34 AM

    What a beautiful exhibit and a beautiful poem you wrote.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debi SwimDecember 1, 2023 at 6:28 AM

    Thanks for the great pictures to go with your beautiful words.

    ReplyDelete
  9. JimDecember 1, 2023 at 9:57 AM

    Thanks for the van Gogh expose. We've had a traveling exhibition here but I missed it. We did go the van Gogh Museum in St. Remy, where he admitted himself to being locked up, and where the orchard I wrote about is located. Yes, some of those same trees still there.
    ..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rosemary Nissen-WadeDecember 1, 2023 at 1:27 PM

    What an amazing experience it must have been to attend that particular exhibition! Yes – such contradictions in his brief and tragic, yet inspired and inspirational life. I love your poem. That first line is perfect! And then you elaborate on it so well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yvonne OsborneDecember 1, 2023 at 4:22 PM

    I enjoyed walking this exhibit with you. I especially LOVE that opening quote from the Van Gogh letters.

    ReplyDelete
  12. stardustDecember 1, 2023 at 10:14 PM

    Immersed in Van Gogh’s works to feel his inner world through senses, Maria, you wrote such a beautiful, touching poem, which I really love. I love the quote from Van Gogh Letters, too. Among all his works, Starry Night is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  13. HelenDecember 2, 2023 at 5:16 PM

    My book club read 'The Secret Life Of Sunflowers' earlier this year. It is based on the true story of van Gogh's sister in law who was greatly responsible for bringing his art to the public. I love your poem and the image that accompanies it. What a tragedy he never knew.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Shiju SugunanDecember 3, 2023 at 2:52 AM

    Love your poem and the paintings. Van Gogh's story mirrors the struggles of many dreamers, whose passion and talent may go unnoticed for a time, but their legacy ultimately shines through.

    ReplyDelete
  15. jossinaDecember 3, 2023 at 5:13 AM

    That's a very touching little poem for Van Gogh.

    ReplyDelete
  16. DeniseinVADecember 3, 2023 at 4:24 PM

    I would love going to that exhibit. A very poignant quote from Van Gogh and I loved your poem too, as well as the photos. Being surrounded by Starry Night would be amazing. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hena TayebDecember 4, 2023 at 9:47 AM

    It is the same story for many of our greatest artists. We went to the exhibition a couple years ago. It was beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  18. carol l mckennaDecember 4, 2023 at 3:15 PM

    Beautiful poem ~ You are so creative and Van Gogh is awesome ~ Keep dreaming ~ Xo

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  19. scotthastiepoetDecember 8, 2023 at 9:29 AM

    Lovely coverage Marie - how he comes back to life for us all through your offering - Marvellous...

    ReplyDelete
  20. purplepeninportland.comDecember 8, 2023 at 5:59 PM

    Lovely poem, Penelope! Wasn't that a fabulous show?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Your thoughts add colour to the content and are always much appreciated. Please note comments embedded with links might not go through.

Popular posts from this blog

The Couch Art Where Bernie Came To Visit

-
Image
 "On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events.  Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh.  That's when  Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens.  I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company  story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at  Paint Party Friday .   Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
Read more

The Door To Forest Magic At Sandy Trail

-
Image
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had something to say. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be
Read more

Fanning The Flames Of Extreme Weather

-
Image
Rain puddles vanished and a blast of scorching heat settled over B.C. recently, including in my region which reached 105  ° F at one point. Records were broken. (About 145 miles northeast in Lytton it was over 120 degrees; the entire village caught fire.) The air outside felt like a thick wall of hot steel. All fans were on duty indoors. The weather foretold of the wasteland that will arrive sooner rather than later if carbon emissions are not majorly reduced. Dozens of mostly elderly didn't survive the wake up call. At this writing, the heat is far less intense, thankfully. A sweet sense of normalcy has returned and the slight morning chill sits on my shoulders like a delicate shawl.    In my neighbourhood, the birds are singing again and searching for treats.  A different kind of wave also hit us all. I was relieved to get my second shot "to knockout Covid" on Canada Day . It was a perfect way to celebrate July 1st.   Explore more at OUR WORLD . Still the kid I used
Read more