Robin Williams

A jester and a giant, beloved by all 

He made us laugh, made us weep, and touched us all 

A comedic genius, an actor with heart 

His death too soon, a tear-filled start

The world was brighter when he lit the sky 

With his smile and wit, a charismatic guy 

His talent and passion, his spirit so bold 

He made us all laugh, until his story was told  

His life was a journey, of dreams and of pain 

But for all who knew him, he was a true gain 

A man of many faces, of joy and of sorrow 

His light in our hearts, will forever stay hollow

Robin Williams was celebrated for his long career as a comedian, but following his startling suicide, much of the conversation on Williams surrounded the contrast of his joking demanor and his tragic passing following increasing depression and dementia symptoms. Robin Williams was a favorite of my father, and I followed his career as I grew older. In his passing, I, too, searched forums and online clues for answers, while enjoying in the sharing of long-forgotten clips of old TV interviews and stand-up routines.   

How? Why? I placed value in this parasocial relationship facilitated by the internet; what is left in the wake a virtual relationship? What is next?