The Collected Writings of Brian J. Mueller
A single poem, met at the right moment, can change a life.
Search and read all 1,834 pieces by Brian J. Mueller — 1,675 poems, 38 prose pieces, and 121 haiku from 12 published volumes. Free to read and share.
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Browse the Twelve Volumes
Brian’s collected pieces, volume by volume.
Augustinian Dialogue
"Were your other women prettier than I am?"
"You know there weren't many. Only one really."
"Well, her?"
"You must know?"
"I must."
"Yes."
"How so?"
"She was more beautiful in a reality whose existence I no longer recognize. You, fair lady, make me whole. Your looks are so becoming that the mere sight of you softens all rough edges."
"How can that be? You said she was prettier."
"True, but I wouldn't recognize her should I meet her in a crowd. For all I know her face is everywhere, and has graced the pages of thousands of magazines...or even daily flashes across millions of screens.
"Sure, she was prettier. Her eyes were bluer, her hair was blonder, and her skin was darker. But you, you my darling, for all your inconsistencies and 'un-pretty' qualities, you are the more real to me. In your eyes I see every color. In your hair I find waves of soft silk. Your touch is the electric of splitting atoms.
"You are infinite, infinitely mine. Beauty is such a narrow concept that she was, or perhaps is, the more of it. The possibility within you, and the thrill of knowing not knowing, is my love for you."
...
"Give me a second."
"Why?"
"I think I might cry."
"Then why are you smiling?"
"Because I never know what you're going to say."