Second Chance

"You wish a second chance
At life which late you left?"
God looked at me askance,
"Your reasons must be deft
Well argued and precise:
A second chance at life
Is usually denied
Eternity's arranged
With true theistic pride
Unable to be changed.

And if we gave you life
To stumble through again
With agony and strife,
Then would you not complain?
Present your reasons now
Why you should live once more
I'm God. And I know how
To put time in reverse
Give you a second chance
Your argument. Rehearse."

My throat felt cracked and dry:
"My God," I whispered low
"I did not ask to die
Or yet be born. I know
If I might live again
I'd live a life as good
As pure as summer rain
And thus, the universe
Would be a better place
The sweeter, cleaner Earth
Would show a happier face."

"Forgive me if I smile,"
The voice of God spoke back,
"For, looking through your file
There's nothing that you lack
The life which I have closed
Was neither bad, nor good
This new life you've proposed
What makes you think it should
Be better than the last?
The matter now is closed."

And all was in the past.

Eternity's arranged
The pieces, locked up fast
And nothing can be changed.