Amy F. Quincy Author/Freelance Writer

Everyone I know is sad today. Robin Williams’ passing is so shocking, so unexpected. But, not really. Not when you consider that he battled for years with addiction and depression. I heard a mental health professional on the news give advice that bears repeating. She said (and I’m paraphrasing,) “Mental illness is so widespread. You never know what someone else is dealing with. So, be kind to one another.”

Robin Williams left behind so many roles we will cherish. My favorite of his movies, as you may know, is Dead Poets Society, (read my previous blog) followed closely by Mrs. Doubtfire. And of the many wonderful quotes, consider this one from Dead Poets Society (or watch in on You Tube). “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race, and the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman: ‘Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring, Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish … — What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer: That you are here — that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.’ That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”

His verse was enormous. And wonderful.

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