velma lay dying

velma lay dying
reaching toward heaven
smile in her eyes
with lovers surrounded

as velma lay dying
elvis was watching
down from his picture
waiting in heaven

as velma lay dying
lewis, her husband
shyly would touch her
shake his head sadly

as velma lay dying
teresa, her daughter
told her it’s okay
someday we’ll join you

as velma lay dying
curtains and knick-knacks
two chairs with afghans
framed her life story

as velma lay dying
music was playing
“i can’t help falling…”
over and over

over and over
“i can’t help falling…”
staying’s no sin
but elvis now holds her