Valerie.»
“Unexplained.”
That’s how authorities are treating the recently discovered death of English singer-songwriter, Amy Winehouse.
Unexplained.
…Seriously?
The public may never know the details of a celebrity’s personal life, of his or her problems, or of what goes on behind the closed doors of their multi-million dollar estates. What the public does see, however, are the numerous fragments of their mishaps, and how these ultimately ordinary people, far too often, choose the path that leads to their own demise.
She was boo-ed off of her own stage on numerous occasions. She was ostracized by tabloids world-wide for her obviously endangered mental health state, and substance abuse issues. Her family name was WINEhouse. And as if her hit single, “Rehab,” weren’t a clear enough plea from the victim herself… I feel like we watched her die.
Why is it, then, that at age 27, the world is celebrating her life for its premature expiration. How is it possible that such a loud voice be silenced so soon?
It angers me, but saddens me even more deeply. I didn’t know her personally, I can’t speak for her family, but I’m sure of the fact that she was a lonely soul. She may have been over the age of majority, she may have been stubborn, but are both reasons enough to stop humanity from saving a human life? From preventing an avoidable tragedy?
We imagine celebrities to be powerful, even if for no other reason but their monetary wealth. So as childish as the idea may be, as superficial as I may sound: why couldn’t someone throw her into the arms of help? Why couldn’t someone lock her up, so she could clean up? A public icon, for crying out loud. And now, the world mourns her.
Some people can be understood if only they’re looked at in the eyes. I wish someone would’ve looked into Amy’s.
May Heaven welcome the departed warmly, and may the voices of those musical keep filling the air.
Amy Jade W i n e h o u s e | 14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011
Valerie, my favorite of her songs.
