Dear Old Vincent

There are certain creatives throughout history with whom I identify– Nick Drake, Phil Ochs, Vincent Van Gogh. They all repurposed their feelings of despair and instability into beautiful art. For this reason, Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite visual artist. I found solace in how consumed I was by Depression by interpreting his life and work.

Van Gogh did not receive a happy ending by any standard. He took his own life in a mental institution, penniless and almost completely unknown for his talents. As someone who has always used the act of creating to escape the demons that chased me, I assumed I would suffer a similar fate.

I originally wrote this poem’s words to be accompanied by music, but decided to include it in this anthology due to its representation of my relationship with creativity. I also aimed to address Van Gogh directly as I imagine what it would be like to comfort him as he weathered deep darkness. I suppose I also wrote it because it was the comfort I needed, as well.