I had just dropped off a friend after working out, in that state of tired and happy exhaustion and sweat, and reveling in the fierce summer rain storm that was cooling things off, and then I heard the news that Robin Williams had died. Not a friend, or even acquaintance, yet he was a smile and a thoughtful line rattling around in my brain for most of my life. From my earliest memories of reruns of Mork and Mindy to his more recent work He was a brilliant observer of life, a timeless comedian, and echoed some of the rawest emotions in life in some of his films. Upon hearing the news, I sat still on the side of the road from dropping off my friend, and just thought for a moment, a sad smile on my face. How funny that someone we don't really know at all can touch our lives.
Though Mr. Williams had many fine cinematic moments, nothing else touched me quite like the film The Dead Poet's Society. I was still an impressionable teenager the first time I saw this, and I was awed by his performance, and by his character in the movie. I doubt anyone on the planet hasn't at least some idea of what this film is about by now, but I was moved by the story of this teacher who inspires a group of boys through poetry and a love of life. I wanted to be that person, though, at the time, I was pretty certain I wanted to do anything with my life but teach. An irony to be noted only in retro, I'm afraid. But what I wanted was to share that feeling of connection and inspiring someone else's life. I couldn't imagine anything more worthwhile in life than to leave that kind of impression.
In the movie, Williams' character, John Keating, quotes Walt Whitman's poem, "O Captain, my captain," and says that they may call out to him as such, if they are feeling particularly brave. They do just this, in the memorable final scene, standing up to authority to show their connection, their love for this teacher who has forever changed their lives.
Walt Whitman wrote his poem as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln. Whitman was born in the early 19th century and considered himself the poet of America during a time when the country was torn apart. Much of his poetry reflects his love for his country and his strong support for the Union during the civil war. When war first broke out within his own country, he published a poem "Beat! Beat! Drums!" as a call to duty for loyal members of the Union. Whitman used his own passion, his creativity, his passions as a way to gather support and share his views. He used poetry to affect opinions and spread a view point. He inspired others, for generations afterward. He inspired John Williams' character, John Keating, he inspired students who cared to listen to the call of "O Captain, My Captain."
Whitman himself wrote the poem as a respectful mourning of Abraham Lincoln. While Whitman had his doubts regarding the abolitionist movement and its political ramifications for the security of the union as whole (in many ways showing a more clear vision of the post war years than many of the politicians of his time), he had great respect for Lincoln who had inspired Whitman. He inspired Whitman to support the union army, where he worked as a medic. He inspired a poetic tribute to a leader. Lincoln inspires many, many others generations later. For his work as president, for his rising above humble roots, for his reported demeanor and dedication. He inspires our leaders of today, and hopefully guides them to make better choices.
Lincoln inspired through his actions, his often powerful words, his convictions, and his leadership. Whitman inspires through his writing, a lasting mark he's left on the world. English students everywhere may love or curse him, but he leaves his mark in one way or another through our educations. The character John Keating in Dead Poet's Society inspires us to not take a single day for granted, to seize each moment, and to "suck the marrow out of life." Robin Williams left us that inspiring performance and at least a dozen others. He inspires us to share our art, and the way we see the world, even when it's difficult, even when it sucks at our own emotions to do so.
My hope is that someday I can inspire someone. Not in a big way, not to write a lasting poetic tribute or to commemorate my words in film or print. I hope I inspire someone to be happier, to think a new thought, or want to do something brave, no matter how small. No matter what, we all want to be remembered, to leave an impression, and to inspire. It's our own fossil left behind - our mark. Oh captain, my captain, how the world will miss Robin Williams' brilliance, and how lucky we are to have had an artist who touched some part of our lives and made us feel something - laughter, tears, anger or outrage. Be brave, my friends, seek to inspire.
