Lamentation for Robin Williams--the Irish Uillean Pipes Tune, "Port na bPucai"

When Seamus Heaney's funeral was held last year, a famous Irish uillean piper, Liam O'Flynn, played a wailing lament called "Port na bPucai" ("Tune of the Fairies"). I thought that the tune might be an appropriate lament for Robin Williams, who died this week. These pipes, played here by Cillian Vallely, can have the effect of keening and wailing, an appropriate response to the death of the great actor and comedian.

Robin Williams, the Great Actor and Comedian, Joins the Dead Poets Society

I was so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Williams yesterday. He was the greatest comedian (the word seems too puny for his talent) of our generation, and a terrific actor. Of all the work he did, the one role that moved me the most was his portrayal of John Keating in the move The Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams made you believe in the humanity of this man, his love for his students, and his belief in art as a redeeming force, a humanizing force.

Robin Williams' death seems to have been caused by the combined terrible forces of depression and addiction. Like so many geniuses before him, he walked the friable edge of sanity, and lost that battle as so many do. But he gave the world so much goodness, joy, deep humanity, love. To be a great artist is to be a great lover. That is his redemption. His likes will never be seen again.

May perpetual Light shine upon him!

Looking at the world from a different perspective.

Boys,the powerful play goes on. What will your verse be?