They call each other `E. Elvis pickswildflowers near the river and bringsthem to Emily. She explains half-rhymes to him.In heaven Emily wears her hair long, sportsLevis and western blouses with rhinestones.Elvis is lean again, wears baggy trousersand T-shirts, a lettermans jacket from Tupelo High.They take long walks and often hold hands.She prefers they remain just friends. Forever.Emilys poems now contain naugahyde, Cadillacs,Electricity, jets, TV, Little Richard and RichardNixon. The rock-a-billy rhythm makes her smile.Elvis likes himself with style. This afternoonhe will play guitar and sing I Taste A LiquorNever Brewed to the tune of Love Me Tender.Emily will clap and harmonize. Alonein their cabins later, theyll listen to the riverand nap. They will not think of Amherstor Las Vegas. They know why God made themroommates. Its because Americawas their hometown. Its becauseGod is a thing withoutfeathers. Its becauseGod wears blue suede shoes.
