The Painter Goes to Work, by Bob Bradshaw

Painter on His Way to Work, by Vincent Van Gogh (Netherlands). 1888.

The Painter Goes to Work

It was intolerable to think of Theo
delaying his marriage, short on money.

Where were Vincent's paintings destined for?
Exhibitions in Paris? Brussels?

No, for Theo's crowded apartment.
Where would Theo and Jo put a cradle? 

Perhaps it would be best for Theo 
if he gave up painting...but today

he would not think of Paris.
He would return to the fields,

packed down with palette and paints,
the sun roosting over his shoulders, 

his focus turned to the orchards,
their branches weighted
in light

Bob Bradshaw

Bob Bradshaw is recently retired, and living in California.  He is a big fan of the Rolling Stones.  Mick may not be gathering moss, but Bob is.  Bob's work can be found in many publications on the net, including Apple Valley Review, Eclectica, Loch Raven Review, Peacock Journal and Pedestal Magazine, among others.