“We’re going through the gates!” People flock to Graceland year-round in Memphis, Tennessee. Some men appear wearing blue suede shoes while others comb their slick black hair into the legendary upswept pompadour. An Elvis-wanna-be directs his attention to a crowd exiting a tour bus, smiling that sexy half smirk that causes women to swoon. His sultry wink is cast from hooded baby blues, and you find yourself wondering, “Is The King of Rock and Roll still alive?”. Inside the modest home, framed gold records and platinum albums hang in hallways proving this was a man who sold more than any other artist in history. If you look closely, a vulnerable side is visible in the life of this immortal rock star. Just when you begin to wonder if it is all an illusion, another slender, handsome stranger approaches wearing a blue silk scarf draped around his neck. The mob goes crazy snapping photos with their cell phones. He stops for moment when a young blonde beauty calls out the cherished name of “Elvis”. He strums his guitar and swivels his hips to a rhythm and blues tune hypnotically causing her to feel giddy and lightheaded before turning on his heels to disappear. “Thank you, thank you very much.”
Elvis is Alive and Well
Every August thousands of fans descend to this remote area of Memphis and stand in line for hours waiting to pay tribute to the ghost who wanders around Graceland. Passing the gravesite in a candlelight vigil the sound of a pin drop can be heard. Glancing about, some devoted fans are sniffling shamelessly while others openly dab a tear. It seems no matter the age, everyone is touched with a special memory of the King. At the end of the day, Elvis has left the building. The experience is timeless.
snapshotsincursive 
Since I went to college in Memphis, Tennessee at Memphis State University [now known as University of Memphis, name change do to a financial reason], in August there are more than a thousand who show. There are over 100,000 that show up and the main street in front of Elvis’s house is closed down. It is an event that everybody should attend at least once. Thank You, Thank You Very Much.
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Well said!
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I visite Memphis and Graceland about 15 years ago and still have happy memories of both places. My husband and I agree we had a great time and need to get back to the area some time. I get a kick out of Elvis impersonators any place I see them, but they’ll never equal the Elvis I watched on television while my parents looked puzzled if not disapproving.
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True. As entertaining as the impersonators are, no one can replace the King. Thanks for stopping by.
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Hi Snapshotsincursive. Never been would like to always enjoyed the kings music. Thank you for liking my poem Route! and for your nice comment. Peace and Best Wishes. The Foureyed Poet.
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The closest I got to seeing Elvis was an impersonator singing his tunes. Thank you very much. lol
I enjoy your blog.
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My wife and I took in the Graceland experience and it was fascinating to see the rabid devotion among the fans. The trophy room, the “Jungle Room,” etc. all comprise a truly unique slice of Americana which the family has obviously taken great pains to keep intact and in the spirit…of his spirit.
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One can very easily get caught up in the thrills of nostalgia!
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