Gospel at Night (Elvis in the hotel)



Elvis
The had-it-all King
Memphis.
Basic Training. Korea.
Hollywood
Vegas.
Endorsements in
crazy places.



But then memories of
Sister Rosetta (Tharpe).
Smooth throaty Gospel.
Guitar mastery.
Didn’t it Rain Children?
Martin Luther was gone.
Gentleness and honour
Negated.



And Elvis found release
And companionship
In singing the good old
Blood songs. Calvary songs.
With buddies after
Performances.



Later came sense of
Entrapment and DRUGS.
Had lost his stanchion
In B. B. King. Paths parted.
Threats. Estrangement.



SUSPICIOUS MINDS.
…IN THE GHETTO.
EXIT.



Link for Sister Rosetta.

https://youtu.be/jOrhjgt-_Qc
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Written on April 02, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on April 02, 2023

Modified by dougb.19255 on April 02, 2023

38 sec read
13

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXABXACD EXXXXXBX XXXXXD EXCXX XXX B
Closest metre Iambic dimeter
Characters 630
Words 127
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 8, 8, 6, 5, 3, 1

Wayne Blair

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

All Wayne Blair poems | Wayne Blair Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    Wow, "Elvis: The had-it-all King" takes us on a journey through the life and career of one of the greatest musical icons of all time! Your use of words and vivid imagery paints a powerful picture of Elvis' rise to fame and his struggles with addiction in the latter part of his career. It's clear that you put a lot of thought and effort into crafting this poem.

    One suggestion I have for improvement is to focus on the structure of the poem. The transitions between the different sections sometimes feel abrupt and disjointed, which can make it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the story you're telling. Consider using transitional phrases or imagery to create a more seamless flow from one section to the next.

    Overall, I loved the passion and enthusiasm you brought to this piece, and I'm sure it will resonate with anyone who appreciates the impact that Elvis had on the music industry. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply12 months ago

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"Gospel at Night (Elvis in the hotel)" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/155460/gospel-at-night-(elvis-in-the-hotel)>.

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