This is a poem written by a Peer Mentor about the famous painter, Van Gogh, and his struggles with mental health. While Van Gogh was an extremely talented artist, he was also likely a sufferer of what today is known as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. He suffered a lot in his lifetime and was treated poorly because of it. This is a poem about the importance of kindness and compassion towards people who suffer from mental health concerns. This is a poem titled: Yellow. 

 

Van Gogh shone like the sun.

His portraits came alive with textures 

and the most lively colors.

He electrified the world with his vibrant paintings 

of sunflowers and landscapes. 

He loved his brother,

he loved to create, 

and did so almost constantly.

He deeply yearned for connection, 

but the world was not ready for his intensity.

History says he was a sad man 

who felt that his sadness would last forever.

He was lonely and manic and lost.

He sought friendship

but was treated as an outcast.  

There was no kindness for a man 

who frantically painted on busy Paris streets.

Psychologists say the color yellow 

is both joyous and anxious.

It’s as much of a caution sign as a laugh attack.

Van Gogh was both of these things.

He leaves behind renowned portraits

that liven art museums and homes alike.

He is easily one of the most 

recognizable artists in history. 

But have we learned our lesson yet?

How many Van Goghs are suffering today? 

How many sunbeams are told

that they’re too much and not enough?

Van Gogh lost his life,

but suicide is a preventable death.

I swear I’d lend my ear so someone doesn’t feel 

like they need to cut off their own.

I can only hope that the world 

would be kinder to him today. 

I think I’d get along with 

what they deemed was a mad artist.

After all, yellow is my favorite color.