Brian’sPoems

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.

Search tips

Search by title, first line, poem text, book, or type — results appear as you type. Look inside the poems for any word or line, or wrap a phrase in "quotes" to find it exactly. Use the chips and the book menu to narrow things down.

← All poems

Awaken Warrior

Don’t resist the drum major.

If you have the soul of a warrior,
then you must become a warrior.

But even a warrior’s soul
contains all the elements
and faces in every direction,
as it basks in the warm sun
and grows stronger in the night.

Remember, Warrior,
the names of your enemies.
They too have their virtues
and will soon lie with you
as you take your last breath.

The soul
is not beholden to any rules,
and may one day desire instead
to become a king or queen,
lover or magician.

Allow your soul to lead
and your feet will follow.
Become a warrior with heart.
Become a warrior of love.

Published in