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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Awakening to My Gift

It was never so easy for me to feel
the gift of my life naturally -
with the simple grace of a baby,
or the quiet appreciation of a sunset.

I had to first hear about my gift,
before I could glimpse it.
And only then,
was I able take the time to feel it.

Understanding my own beloved and precious gift
has taken time and lots and lots of miles.
Still I almost squandered my gift in those cities
where everyone goes to hide,
in a vain attempt to live life without hardship.

Once I realized there is no escape
from the thousands of tiny deaths I will suffer,
there was nothing left for me to do
but get on with living my precious life.