Elvis Presley came home to his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi last week. Actually a statue of the "King" created by Bill Beckwith of Taylor, Mississippi was erected. The unveiling took place during Elvis week 2012 in Tupelo, Mississippi on the very Fairgrounds where Elvis sang his famous "Coming Home" concerts in 1956 and 1957. The new Tupelo City Hall now stands on ths hallowed ground whick is now called "FairPark". People from all over the world were on hand to view the statue and feel its magic.It was interesting to note that almost everyone who came close to the statue seemed to have a desire to touch Elvis' hand. We still love you in Tupelo, Elvis. So glad you are home to stay. Below is my personal tribute.
Fairgrounds Mania, 1956
‘Rockin’, Rollin’ & Shakin’ like an Earthquake
Who could have known that history would forever change;
on that simple fairgrounds stage . . .
as a man and his guitar
transcended highest expectations?
In the sleepy, southern town of Tupelo,
lightning flashed and screams carried high on the wind
as the music belted forth
and the new king claimed his throne.
Gyrations, they called it!
Moms swooned, girls fainted, boys emulated
as indignant preachers couldn’t wait
for the next Sunday service to extoll the pitfalls
of watching such venomous sin.
With a heart on fire, and straining for every luscious note . . .
a child watched, in the darkness, from a nearby hotel rooftop;
just a boy, forever changed, by a native son.
We all learned that day,
that sometimes
home ground truly does needs a good shakin’.
We will always remember
the night rock and roll was forever infused
into our hearts and souls.
Thank You Elvis.
You are ours forever!
Joyce Burns, August 15, 2010
© Joyce (Tidwell) Burns, ChynaMoon Creations, Chyna Moon Press, 1997-2012
