The King

Elvis, dressed in a Graceland employee vest and checkered pants, walked slowly through the crowd of fans. It was “Death Day 2011” — the day when everyone came to Memphis to mark his passing in 1977.

Elvis’ voice was still pure and as beautiful as it was all those years ago.  Like an angel. But he had lost his hair.  And had gotten wrinkly.  The blessing of age has a way of doing that to you.  He was so thankful he had decided to drop out of sight.  It killed him to see so many who loved him mourn like that. But he had to do something. He was a prisoner of his own fame. And Graceland was his prison.

He walked past the two ladies from Sweden. The little girl singing “Hound Dog.” The man from Ohio had great sideburns.  So much love and respect.  Tears came to Elvis’ eyes.

He really wish he could have pursued acting more seriously. He knew he had talent. But Col. Tom — well, Col. Tom kept getting him steered into the cheesy flicks. It really was his only regret.  He hummed “Amazing Grace”. Singing Gospel tunes made him so happy. He reached the velvet ropes and climbed over.

Elvis walked into Graceland but no one noticed.

He was a ghost and was the only one who didn’t know it.

The King was gone. But his talent and spirit remain forever more.