Poems Tributes } Elvis at Sutton Place

Elvis at Sutton Place
By Tatiana Pahlen

Who spread the yarn — "The king is dead?"
His kingdom grows and thrives.
He is alive! This world is mad,
like those breathtaking lies!

I saw him drunk the other night
in a joint on Sutton Place;
clad like a punk, head-to-toe
in white,
with groupies in flimsy lace.

"Elvis Presley! I know you, man,"
a drunk next to me screamed.
"Remember? I was your fan,
before you ruined my dream."

Decades ago, I joined your band
and you took away my wench:
we had a brawl; I was quite mad and pissed,
oops, Elvis, s'cuse my French.

Many frauds, man, since you're gone,
every dog wants to croon you;
some folks are saying they are your sons,
show them, who is who!"

Elvis looked at him with a big curved smile
and whispered, "I am no fool."
Then pinch a string of his worn guitar,
humming: "Don't be cruel!"

January 9, 1995