From The Davenport Sampler
Mommy's Don't Die
Russle
by Lawrence Davenport
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Saturday, November 22
Russle insisted I go with him to see a play, "The Masterbuilder." After the play, per Russle's instructions, I delivered a bottle of Champaign to "the girls", as he called them. Russle met me up at the stage door and told me he had a party for us. We picked up a six pack of Budwiser at the Elite Tavern and went to an apartment in the University District just behind the A&P grocery. Russle was a real smash at the party. I've never seen him have such a good time. He did a Shakespearian death scene in the kitchen that was fantastic. Afterwards, Pete led us to a great downtown bar and then to Petes place. At about 3:30, Russle brought me home. While we were at the party, Russle said to me: "Can you imagine a guy who waited until he was forty to marry. Thats what my father did, --- and he died thirteen years later." I think about what he said. After the party Russle also wrote a short poem that began: "The world is full of wonderful things..." and ended: "I been lonely too long."
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Sunday, December 14
- Russle shot himself yesterday.
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