When I Come Back

When I come back,

maybe I’ll be a pine tree in your backyard,

*

so I can process everything I’ve learned

in this lifetime.

*

I’ll live for a hundred years, dropping

a pinecone for each lesson I picked up along the way.

*

When I come back,

maybe I’ll be a rescue dog

*

that catches your eye

at the shelter, compelling you to take me home.

*

Then I can show you the

love you deserve, teach you

*

you’re worthy, teach you about grace.

Teach you about loss.

*

When I come back,

(and I WILL come back)

*

I’ll find you in your star’s light,

appear to you in the shine of the moon,

*

live in your tender heart,

so we can be together again.