In my next life
I want to be the sunshine
Traveling through miles of darkness
To touch the leaves of that pine
And make love to the morning dew
And explode, scattering my every hue
I want to touch every grain of dust
That flies away with the wind’s gust
I want to touch every closed eye
And pry it open, as I fly.

In my next life
I want to be the river
And be in motion, for ever and ever
Carry specks of life in my bosom
As I tumble down towards the ocean
And sing the song, as I dance,
Of my lover, the earth, and my romance

In my next life
I want to be the earth
And be a mother, and give birth
And nourish and grow my children
Those trees, birds, animals, and men
And dance with the rivers, and invite the sunshine
To co-create this world divine

In my next life
I want to be a man
Who is the master of this divine plan
Whose voice the winds are waiting to hear
Whose touch the earth can scarcely bear
Who can command the sunshine to turn away
Who makes the whole universe his work and play
Through love he shines like the sun
On everything and everyone
And yet his simplicity makes him see
And realize life’s basic unity
Simple, humble, loving, and pure,
Yes I want to be a man I’m sure!


Note and disclaimer: In the above poem, the word "man" has been used to mean human being. Though discerning readers will probably realize this upon reading the poem, in these politically correct times, I thought I'd clarify that. The usage has nothing to do with gender, and does not indicate in any way whatsoever any sexism or gender-related prejudice on my part.