A heart of gold may be a liability.....in memory of Robin Williams

I have tried to discover the origin of the term "a heart of gold" but so far I have not been able to find a definitive answer. Some suggest it goes as far back as to the 1500's and the meaning of the term is: "a person with a generous, kind, and caring personality".

(Gold, in medieval times, represented the height of luxury, and because of its rarity and value, it was viewed as the noblest of metals. Gold, it was believed, symbolically represented qualities of the human spirit such as justice, courage, and generosity.)

Recently I have been pondering whether in todays world, a heart of gold is considered an asset or a liability...

 

There was this boy

an ordinary boy,

except for

his profound understanding

 of both sorrow and joy.

 

Very early in his life

he had realised,

it's not a question of who to be

but what others want to see.

 

To be sad

was considered bad

to be quiet and still

was met with ill will.

 

His heart said: to thine own self be true

but after beatings that left him black and blue

his heart became weary

what was he to do?

 

So he donned a mask

one that made people laugh

Now they saw him as funny

they became quite chummy.

 

 Hiding his heart of gold

behind a mask made him cold

 within his soul began a battle

his sense of self began to rattle.

 

Making people laugh

with his soul cut in half

not a sustainable position

for a comedic magician.

 

"Come here" says the White Horse,

"I'll give you a ride without remorse,

I'll make you feel better than ever before"

he giddies up, he goes to explore.

 

Exploring he does for years and years

but try as he may

 however fast he rides

he can't outride his sadness

or the tears he hides.

 

The boy with the golden heart

his comedy a fabulous art

finally succumbs to his broken heart

and from this world he departs.

(Citizen X)

 

Thank you Robin Williams for all the joy you brought to so many of us.

 

"When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

(Khalil Gibran)