Reincarnation

Reincarnation

After this life is done,
I imagine
Each of us
Like actors
Walking off after our final scene
To the more muted light
Of some celestial green room

There we will
Shed our lives
Like heavy brocades,
Cocktail dresses, wigs,
Overalls, or Roman togas

We will fold them neatly, or hang them carefully
In some great wardrobe
And
If we are truly enlightened
Make the gentle,
Sunlit climb
To the after life of our chosen gods

If we are not yet ready
Still in need of improvement, perhaps,
As many of us
Regrettably will be,
I expect that we will be re cast
In some edifying role

Imagine our surprise
When some deity
Or angel
In the interest of simplicity,
Justice and humor
Changes our circumstances
Entirely
By shifting one, chromosome