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**PRINT: MIXTAPE: THE2NDHAND’s 29th issue builds on a concept we introduced to the Chicago reading/performance scene in July 2007 -- the Mixtape reading, wherein several writers cast short-short stories inspired by pop songs. The concept evolved after several incarnations of its live component to include a published series here at the2ndhand.com and, now, a broadsheet. This latest includes 2008 Birmingham Artwalk contest winners Nadria Tucker and Emily Self, both past contributors to THE2NDHAND and both writing from Birmingham, and a story by Zach Plague, author of the art-school satire/adventure novel Boring boring boring..., out now from Chicago’s Featherproof Books. Tracklist: Leaving Batesville, Night Moves, Carousel...

**WEB: REQUIEM FOR BOB MERITXELL: Part 4 Tim Racine
DFW, an ongoing tribute Pitchfork Battalion
NOTHING DELIVERS A LIFE Paul McMahon
THE LAST ORCHARD IN AMERICA Michael Peck
THE BIRTH OF A NATION Megan Mercier
WING & FLY: DFW, Feb. 21, 1962-Sept. 12, 2008 | Todd Dills
A BRIEF QUIZ Stacy Bierlein
THE ANTIPURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE: SUMMER | Andrew Davis

REQUIEM FOR BOB MERITXELL: Part 4
---
Tim Racine

In Part 3 a man who knew Bob only care of a chance encounter delivered Meritxell's parting words to the world -- and the dummies. Here, we learn what Bob shared with Jesus -- and Muggsy Bogues.

Webster's Pocket Dictionary defines "Death" as: Noun. The permanent cessation of physical life in a person, animal, or plant. The condition of being dead. Extinction of anything; destruction. A cause or occasion of death. And, Something similar to dying or being dead.

To me, death is a question. A question that has an answer. In the book, the Bible, it explains how cool God is and just how big and powerful he is. But like death we don't know until we find out with our own two eyes.

I don't know what death is like. But I know Bob does. His life in this mortal coil wasn't great. But Bob had a great soul. I think he might get even more enjoyment out of death than he did out of life. If he had any family members that he liked he'd probably see them in heaven. He's probably sitting on a cloud right now, just laughing. I even bet that the cloud he's sitting on feels like those linen pieces or whatever he loved, and knew so much about.

But this whole thing, this whole thing right here, what we're doing tonight, it's not about celebrating a man's death. It's about remembering a man's life.

He knew love while he was with us. He had, he knew, he experienced so much love that he couldn't have any more. He only was married for several weeks. For several weeks he was married! Some people have to be married for years! Some people are married for years and years and years! And they don't get it. Bob got it.

His marriage was short. He would admit that. Muggsy Bogues was a professional basketball player. He was short. Sure, he probably couldn't slam-dunk as well as everybody else who played basketball. But he got it. He knew that he could dribble and bounce-pass as well as anybody else. It didn't matter that he was short. He was short because it was all he needed to be. Bob's marriage was short because that was all it needed to be. Bob's life was also short.

But again, we're not here to celebrate his death! We're here to remember his life! We're remembering a man who had a mustache. Jesus had a mustache. Jesus had a full beard. A mustache is a part of a beard. And Bob was a part of Jesus. The comparisons don't end there. They both had a last supper. Jesus, preaching from the mount, ate fish and loaves and drank wine until his belly was full. He was satiated. And then he died. Bob, I understand, ate Cheetos (fish and loaves) and drank Banzai Energy Drink (wine) until his belly was full. He was satiated. Satiated with life. Bob died too, not on a cross but on a bus, crossing the city.

Is it possible to envision a dream? Is it possible to obtain a goal only through knowing you can? Michael Jordan, a professional basketball player, once said that when he would shoot baskets to try to make points for his team at the free-throw line, he would imagine himself throwing the ball into the basketball hoop before he even threw the ball into the air.

When it comes down to it, I know Bob is loving it up there, because, sometimes, when I'd be sitting at the bar, minding my own business, he'd touch my shoulder and lean into me and say, "I wish I was dead." You did it, Bob. That's a three-point shot in double-overtime.

But, again, we must remember that we're not here to celebrate his death, but to remember his life.

Bob hated the CTA, but he loved his Buick LeSabre. He had his own mode of transportation. And he wasn't about to give it up. There was a professional basketball player named Dennis Rodman. After basketball games he would take off his jersey and throw it at a person who came to watch the basketball teams play. Bob wore his car like it was his sports jersey and he would never in a million years throw that car at anyone. In fact he... I don't know... I feel like being up here is part of a gesture honoring Bob, but it doesn't feel honest...

Actually, this is something that was just sort of for me... I'd like to share it...

This is a song parody I wrote and want to sing:

Bob you're gone, we all miss you
And all those little things you'd do
Hope you like Jesus where you are
Because you're up in Heaven

Make the jump-shot or behind the back pass
I never thought that your life would pass
You always drank Old Style, go the ex-tra mile,
I know you liked linen

I can't wait till I'm up there
Ridin' around in the LaSay-bare
You finally did it, winning the game
Three-point shot at the buzzer

Forever gone, Bob you will be forever gone
Bob will be gone forever, forever and ever

Forever gone, Bob you will be forever gone
Bob will be gone forever, forever and ever gone...

Bob, thanks for doing what needed to be done; otherwise we wouldn't have an excuse to share our love. We'll miss you.

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