ALTERNATE ELVIS
by Gary Cadwallader

In another universe, Elvis Aaron Presley grows up in Iowa. Instead of blues and gospel, he is influenced by farmers who taste dirt with their tongues. He worships at quiet Methodist churches where politeness is treasured like the golden corn.

His rebellious spirit finds outlet when he buys two corncribs for a house.

He empties his silos of grain and turns them into castle turrets. He builds a parapet between them and scans the vast horizon for a blonde Rapunzel.

She comes walking barefoot down the road with her fishing rod and string of bullheads. She likes his look, black hair curling down. "Elvis," she says. "Share the fish I caught?"

"Why thank you," he says. "Thank you ver, ver much."

They live quietly until his crossbred corn becomes world famous. He calls it Blue Suede and as his business flourishes, he fills his castle with mirror balls and black velvet. Their bed is round. Their life is full.

His daughter becomes Miss Des Moines and marries an insurance salesman.

Elvis dies in his eighties, surrounded by weeping grandchildren who are dark-haired and dream of greatness.

© Gary Cadwallader 2004

on to page 7   

back to the front page