Poem - The Darkness Behind His Smile

Dedicated to Robin Williams

A light unto others and a man of secret agony

His dazzling smile infuses joy in others

His bright shining eyes open the vision of all he meets

Words of kindness drip sweet honey from his lips

Humor that breaks into the laughter of millions

Acts of selfless compassion always his calling card

Always helping, always strong, always letting the sad and depressed feed upon his abundant life force

I wonder where he is?

Who he is raising and healing this day with the balm of his generous soul?

Who is smiling and laughing joyously at his exuberant comedy?

Whose mind is he illuminating, with the light of his brilliance?

He must surely be the happiest of souls, so full of love, so full of life, so full of joy and laughter

What? That cannot be. NO!!

it’s not possible!

How could that happen? How could such a bright, loving soul do that to himself?

Oh God!!

What sadness was there behind that smile?

What darkness behind those shining eyes?

What melancholy behind the laughter?

What pain and despair was left unspoken, unseen, unheard?

For what compassion did he starve, and was never offered?

How long did he give away his life until none was left for him?

The world is darker

Now that he is gone