Hans Ostrom

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 letterman__ jacket from Tupelo High.They take long walks and often hold hands.She prefers they remain just friends. Forever.Emily__ 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 __ Taste A LiquorNever Brewed_ to the tune of __ove Me Tender.__mily will clap and harmonize. Alonein their cabins later, they__l listen to the riverand nap. They will not think of Amherstor Las Vegas. They know why God made themroommates. It__ because Americawas their hometown. It__ becauseGod is a thing withoutfeathers. It__ becauseGod wears blue suede shoes.