Facades

Robin Williams has often come to mind this past month. I cannot quite explain why. Perhaps it is on account of the fact that his passing seems little remembered; one year on.
Has he passed out of memory in this time of instant gratification, when last weeks or last months fashion, fad or foible is out of date & forgotten.
In ending his own life, has his very name become anathaema. In his choosing to do so, has he now become tainted & shameful in many people's eyes.

Looking at that phrase: the funniest man, saddens me so. In giving pleasure to so many people, perhaps his way of battling his own demons, just how much did he retain for himself?

No longer can we ask of him, we can only make a guess as to just what his answer might have been.

Most likely he would have made a joke to throw people off the scent, or given a truly honest answer in such a way that it was perceived as such: a joke. After all, he was the 'world's funniest man'! How conceivable could it be that he waged such a dark & dismal battle.

Such was his success in concealing this part of himself that the tragedy was the greater once the news of his passing was released.
Perhaps that is why his passing resonates so much with me. This past fortnight in particular.
Behind the facades we show all others....

Behind our facades that we feel we are compelled to display....

Now that's the Tragedy!