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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Do Not Harden

Do not harden like cement.
It is better to remain viscous,
like wax or something else
which changes shape through warmth.

I know this must be gospel
because I cannot see the world perfectly.
The prism through which I understand life
fixes me in this time and place -
not to mention the myriad other contingencies
like sex, race, education and power.

None of us need to look further than our partners
to appreciate both the nuances and gulfs
of perspective within just two people.
How it is we ever become so certain
about really big matters like God
defies any comprehension.

Resist only that change which does not
bring you into a deeper awareness
of the love which connects everything.