Note: Description's of the home, and personal facts are true to life and taken out of the Official Graceland Guidebook second edition.

Remember The King

By

Karen B

   The hot August night breeze floated through his apartment. He could hear the twinkling music of the wind chimes he had placed just outside the bedroom window.  Too beat from a day of chasing bad guys, Starsky didn't even undress. He landed on his bed with a bounce.  He stared up at his reflection in the mirror above his bed.  If they had an award for eyes, his would win the Pulitzer. Their vast blueness closing to the sound of the oldies but goodies playing on his clock radio that read 12:00 am.

   He drifted peacefully through the starry night. Pink cotton candy, clowns, puppies and childhood innocents tossed along the shores of his dreams.  He woke to find himself in front of a strange home, yet it was familiar to him.  

   He must have seen pictures of it somewhere as it dawned on him where here was.

   Hutch couldn't stay awake much longer. Dobey's voice still boomed in his head as he tried to escape the day.  He lay across his couch plucking at his guitar and adjusting the strings after each note, with the oldies but goodies station as the backdrop to his tuning session.  Mr. Sandman called to him with urgency and his hazy blue eyes began to close from the demands.   

   The red, magic carpet flew him through the moonlit night.  Flew past the big dipper, flew past the shooting stars riding the night like Aladdin with his golden lantern, that matched his tender heart of gold.  Hutch woke to find himself standing in front of a strange home he had never seen before.

   Both men shuddered at the revelation of a familiar presence.  The wispy blond head turned at the same time as the curly brown and their eyes met in amazement.   

   Mouths gaping open, they both turned back toward the stately home.  Steps led up to a decorated black wrought iron laced door.  The large, white pillars on either side of the entrance towered above them.  Two regal, white lion statues were placed on opposite sides of the stone steps atop a stone wall. Right below the king of beasts, were two matching white-laced wrought iron benches, and two large, white vases full of flowers.

   Starsky's award winning eyes turned back to Hutch.  "We're here, really here!"

   Hutch looked at his partner with a lost expression on his face.  "Uh, just exactly where is here, buddy?  Hutch pinched himself hard and felt nothing; his mouth fell open.  "And whose dream is this anyhow?"

   Starsky, seeing his partner's dubious look, also pinched himself hard and felt nothing.  "Don't know partner, but here is Graceland home of the King of Rock in Roll Elvis Presley."

   Those words being said, the lacy black iron doors opened slowly on magical hinges. The two night travelers walked slowly up the cobble steps and entered the dream. They found themselves standing in a large foyer.

   Stairs leading upward in front of them were lined on either side with guitars. Hutch's eyes looked at each one with admiration and longing.  Then turning to their right because they heard the sound of music both sleep-walkers ended up in a living room.  The color scheme of blue, white and gold was soothing. Starsky noticed the 15 foot white sofa thinking he and Hutch could sure use that extra room during their late night TV sessions.

   Then the music drew them toward the stained glass, blue peacocks trimmed in gold that adorned either side of the doorway from floor to ceiling. Beyond the peacocks lay another room where a man sat at an ebony baby grand piano plucking a tune on the keys.  Starsky sucked in a breath and at that slight sound the man stopped playing and turned.  His jet-black hair swooped back like satin; dark eyebrows to match and long lashes accented his blue-jeweled eyes.  If there were a window to heaven on earth it was there in those eyes.  

   Half his lip pulled up into a smile and he waved the two visitors in as he stood to shake their hands. Starsky and Hutch strode over with reverent hands outreached as they took turns shaking the hand of the King.

   "You two fellows are a little late, but don't you mind that.  Come on over to the kitchen, and we'll rustle up something for you to eat."  His voice was kind and held the manners of a saint.

   The partners were awe struck and speechless for the moment as they followed the host of the dream. Damn, both thinking at the same time whose dream is this anyhow? Hutch pinched himself again; making sure Starsk wasn't looking.

   They passed through the elegant dining room, which was also accented with blue, gold and white. The large 8-foot round table being the center of attraction.  Directly above the table Starsky noticed the chandelier that sparkled like diamonds. Most the people he knew on the streets probably would think they were diamonds he mused.

   As they entered the harvest gold kitchen, which was accented with avocado colored appliances Hutch thought this is the homiest place he had ever seen.

   "This is one of my favorite snacks. You're gonna love this." He pulled out a large well-used frying pan that sure stood the test of time and placed it on the chrome-stove top.  "Have a seat fellows, this won't take long." And the dream weaver motioned to the two orange bar stools at the opposite counter.  Starsky and Hutch did as was asked intently watching their host.  The man moved with grace as he melted butter in the frying pan and added a few lengthwise sliced bananas and began to fry them up.  He then toasted some bread and spread peanut butter across both sides.  Hutch looked in bewilderment at the concoction being created and then glanced at his partner who appeared to be drooling in anticipation of the treat.  Rolling his eyes
toward the multi-colored tiffany style lamp above him. Hutch couldn't imagine another living soul with a stomach like Starsky's.  His could grind up nails and spit 'me back out at ya.

   The King added the fried bananas to the toasted peanut butter bread and served his guests. Starsky wolfed his down like a racehorse breaking out of the starting gate.  Hutch took a small bite and eyes widened ironically.  It was wonderful and he to wolfed down the rest.  "You're a master at your craft." Hutch pressed his fingers to his lips and kissed them and threw his hand up in the air with a fancy twirl.  The King's lip curled as he smiled; glad to see his guests had enjoyed his most favorite of foods.

   This time it was Starsky who pinched himself once more while no one was looking still feeling nothing. It's a dream all right. Hey I didn't think ya could taste your dream, his brows raised at the thought.

   Descending downward to the basement the staircase was completely mirrored walls and ceiling alike.  The King peered up and brushed a strand of hair off his forehead as he continued through his tour.

   The trio entered the TV room.  Brilliant yellow and white pillows alternately lay against the black sectional sofa.  They glistened from the tiny-mirrored pieces that were sewn on them.  Being the TV room it was lined with the silver screened boxes.  More mirrors reflected back at them as Starsky admired the white ceramic monkey on the glass coffee table. Hutch stood by the mirror touching the yellow lightening bolt that was applied there.  "Nice touch." Sure nicer then that ceramic chimp my partner wishes he could have, Hutch thought as he smirked at his tasteless partner.

   "T.C.B." The king spoke the letters with pride. "The lightening bolt means Taking Care of Business in a Flash.  It's my personal logo." His voice spoke the words with humble pride.

   "Hey, Hutch, you and me do that out on the streets every day don't we partner? Take care of business." Starsky quipped.

   Hutch flashed his partner an agreeable smile.

   "You boys put yourselves on the line every day out there to keep people safe. I sure do admire your selflessness and bravery."  The King's heavenly blue jewels lit up the room brighter if that was possible.

   The poolroom was covered walls and ceiling with blue red and yellow pleated material.  It was almost dizzying and Hutch wondered if it were there to distract pool players.  He noticed their host had the same zest his partner had when it came to game playing.  Starsky and the King played a few rounds of eight ball (one of the Kings favorite games.}  As they existed the room and headed back up the mirrored staircase Starsky whispered to Hutch, "Do you dream in color?"

   "Uh, I don't know partner I don't think so."  Hutch gave a puzzled look thinking how colorful the entire home was.    

   "Man, Hutch, this is the weirdest dream I have ever had. I can't wait to wake up and tell ya about it." Starsky's voice held all the seriousness of a royal straight flush.

   "Buddy, I hate to disappoint you but this here is my dream." Hutch balled up his fist and gave his partner a loving punch in the shoulder.

   Starsky rubbed at the spot with indignant disgust as he whispered defiantly, "my dream." Then he made a fist and socked Hutch in the shoulder. "Can't feel a thing Blondie it's a dream." Starsky laughed harder as he repeated his actions again.

   "Okay, buddy, okay I get the point. On with the show uh oh I mean dream." Both men dutifully followed the King.

   They walked past a room that looked like a jungle.  One whole wall was a stone waterfall. The water that trickled down it sounded like a light spring shower.  The furniture seemed oversized, the wood frames were carved intricately and cushions were covered in fake fur.  Small statues of lions and tigers sat upon the tree-like coffee and end tables.  The green shag carpet not only on the floor but ceiling added to the rooms Hawaiian jungle look.

   The King was anxious now the tour was coming to an end and he had so much he wanted to share with his two detective friends.  They headed outside to the carport.  Starsky's eyes did a double take at the array of outstanding mechanical wonders.  Hutch couldn't help seeing the amazement in his partner's eyes as they admired the car museum that was in front of them.

   Starsky scanned the art forms on wheels.  A 1956 grape purple Cadillac convertible, 1955 pink Cadillac, 1956 Continental {white} Mark II, but his eyes lingered on the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk.

   The black car shone like a new penny; its red leather and gold plated interior turned Starsky's head like no pretty girl could.  His face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning finding a puppy under the tree.

   "Go ahead, get behind the wheel."  The King's rings flashed as he motioned toward his favorite car.

   Starsky slid in behind the wheel leaving the door open and one-foot on the ground.  He gripped the steering wheel, and turned to look for his partner.  Hutch had been staring off at the pasture just down from the house.  Lush green grass rustled in the wind as the horses galloped around kicking up their heels.

   "The Golden Palomino out there is Rising Star.  Great horse."  The King and Hutch watched the grand animals a few more moments before looking back to Starsky.  The two observes looked at each other and began to laugh out loud.  

   Starsky sat mesmerized stroking the dashboard of the car like it was a cherished pet.

   "Gordo, don't get any bright ideas there." Hutch warned, waggling his finger.

   Like a sci-fi movie they were back to the beginning of the tour.  The dreamers stood next to the King as he sat at the black ebony piano singing 'I Did It My Way'.  Things started to get real fuzzy and then pictures and objects floated around the room.  The once colorful house turned to black and white and the music became muffled.  The tunnel of darkness closed in around him and the dream in an instant was gone.

   The King woke and sat up staring confused at the TV set before him.  What day was it? What time? Must have fallen asleep.  That was some weird dream I just had. He rubbed at his eyes trying to clear his blurry, sleep filled eyes.  Touring Graceland what a concept he mused.  How can I ever explain this dream?  Walking through Graceland, dreaming I am awake while the others are wondering if they're dreaming.  He turned to the silver screened box the music playing had interrupted his thoughts.  The credits rolled over the two men in the flashy red car.  "Damn I missed my favorite show again."  The King rose from the couch thinking he sure would love to get his hands on Starsky's 1977 candy apple red Ford Torino with the white racing stripe.

THE END

Author's Notes:

   When Elvis was a poor youngster he told his parents often that some day he would make a lot of money and buy them a beautiful home.  On March 26,1957 at the age of 22 he made good on that promise and purchased Graceland for $100,000.  The home originally belonged to Ruth Brown Moore and her husband Dr. Thomas Moore.  It was a farm located in Memphis, Tennessee built in 1939.

   Mrs. Moore's great-aunt was the Grace in Graceland, and Elvis kept the name.

   Elvis Aaron Presley born January 8, 1953 died Tuesday August 16, 1977 in his beloved Graceland home of heart failure at the all too young age of 42. Elvis starred in 31 movies and had numerous gold and platinum records.  His generosity was endless giving to charities as well as friends, family, and even strangers.  Elvis also held a benefit concert and raised the largest single donation to help build the U.S.S Arizona Memorial, a World War II monument.  You can find out more about The King of Rock and Roll and even get a tour of Graceland on line at: http://www.Elvis.com

   This story is not meant in any way to disrespect Mr. Presley.  It was written for just the opposite effect so that we may all REMEMBER THE KING!!!

   "Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend; without a song. So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you."
   ~ Elvis Aaron Presley quoted from copyrighted music without a song by Billy Rose.